Five Simple Ways To Practice Mindfulness to Live Happier
Gabrielle Mastronardo
May 9, 2024
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If you haven’t experienced the power of breathwork, you’re probably wondering what the big deal is about breathing, we all do it unconsciously- thank goodness, but our modern habits have changed how we breathe.
Learning to re-harness the power of your breath can create equilibrium, boost energy, and nurture your well-being.
The magic of our breath is an underestimated tool we possess. When you shift from shallow chest breathing to deep abdominal breathing, you enrich your body with more oxygen. This abundance of oxygen leads to amplified relaxation and a surge of energy alongside numerous other wellness benefits.
In this article, we will take a look at why that is and how to start re-teaching yourself to breathe deeply and reap the rewards of the breath.
We possess two centers for breathing: our chest and our Abominin. During our waking hours, we often unwittingly favor chest breathing, which leans towards being shallow.
This restricts the amount of oxygen delivered to our bodies, often culminating in exhaustion and an energy deficit— which is why learning to breathe correctly is one of the best things you can do for your well-being.
First, find a serene spot where you can sit comfortably. Let go of any tension in your jaw and shoulders, and gently rest your hands on your belly and chest.
Draw your breath deep into your belly, noticing the rise and fall as you slow your breath as it moves from your chest expanding to your belly rising.
Now, enter the realm of slower breathing. Draw your breaths only into your belly, gently slowing the tempo, savoring each inhale and exhale.
Between each cycle of breath, take a brief pause. This mindful breathing soothes your autonomic nervous system, alleviating stress, restlessness, and anxiety— which is why knowing how to breathe properly is such a powerful tool.
Whenever you feel like you need a little R&R or a mid-day pick me up, just take 5 minutes to do this breathing exercise and watch it shift energy immediately.
You don’t have to wait for low energy or high stress to benefit from breathwork— actually adding it into your daily routine is the most optimal way to benefit from the practice.
Daily practice of breathwork comes with a host of wellness benefits, spanning physical, mental, and emotional health. Here are some of the key benefits:
Stress Management: By calming the autonomic nervous system, breathwork helps to manage stress levels. It can lower the production of stress hormones, promoting a more relaxed state of mind.
Enhanced Energy Levels: Deep abdominal breathing increases oxygen supply to the body, which can improve energy levels and overall vitality.
Improved Mental Clarity: The practice of focused breathing can help clear the mind, improve concentration, and enhance cognitive function.
Emotional Balance: Breathwork can help manage emotions, reduce anxiety, and cultivate inner peace. It’s a natural mood regulator, helping to stimulate the production of endorphins, known as ‘feel-good’ hormones.
Boosted Immune Function: By reducing stress and improving overall well-being, breathwork can support immune function and contribute to better health.
Improved Sleep Quality: Regular breathwork can aid in sleep quality, assisting in the reduction of insomnia and other sleep disturbances.
Physical Detoxification: Deep, rhythmic breathing can stimulate lymphatic drainage, aiding the body in eliminating toxins.
Enhanced Mind-Body Connection: Breathwork promotes an increased awareness of the physical body, enhancing the mind-body connection, and contributing to a better understanding of one’s health and well-being.
Fitting breathwork into your daily routine doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, the beauty of breathwork is its flexibility.
It’s a practice that can be seamlessly incorporated into your day, no matter how busy or relaxed your schedule might be.
Here’s an example of how to add breathwork to your daily routine:
Morning Reset: Start your day by setting aside a few moments for mindful breathing. As you wake-up, remain in your bed or find a quiet spot.
Close your eyes and perform a series of deep abdominal breaths. This simple practice can help you to center your mind, fuel your body with oxygen, and set an intention for the day ahead.
Midday Energizer: When afternoon fatigue hits, instead of reaching for another cup of coffee, re-energize with a quick breathwork session.
This could be as simple as performing several rounds of deep belly breathing or, if you have more time, you could explore different breathing techniques that focus on invigoration.
Evening Wind-Down: Before bed, engage in another session of breathwork to help your body transition into a state of relaxation.
This session can be longer, using slower and deeper breaths to induce calm, ease the day’s tensions, and prepare the body for a restful sleep.
Breathing, so simple, so taken for granted, yet incredibly profound in its impact on our overall well-being.
Whether it’s a morning reset, a midday energizer, or an evening wind-down, carving out time for breathwork can transform our day and, ultimately, our lives.
Remember, your breath is with you at all times, always ready to serve as your sanctuary of calm or your source of revitalization.
However, living consciously means acknowledging the importance of self-care and understanding that our own health and happiness are essential for a balanced life. In this article, we’ll explore the significance of self care, and share some practical tips to help you prioritize your well-being.
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