VIBRANT HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK~ EXHALE!
It's become rather clear to me that a vast majority of our tendencies to ramp up into stress mode stems from the habit of not exhaling deeply. Shallow breathing in general is a sure sign your nervous system is set in stress mode and holding the breath is another sign that your central nervous system is locked in flight ,fight or freeze mode. This pattern over time creates havoc in our physical bodies, in our minds and emotions creating such strain that just navigating the normal decisions one has to make daily can feel overwhelming.
The first step is to notice your breath. Breathe in for 4 counts deep into your belly then exhale for 8. When we double the exhale we short circuit further activating the stress response and turn on the relaxation response. If you are feeling super anxious and distracted, inhale for 4, hold for 7 and exhale for 8. This breath pattern is known for having the capacity to stop an anxiety attack in its tracks!
So breathe deep, and exhale even deeper on a regular basis to reclaim your center. As a yoga and meditation teacher I witness first hand in myself and my students how insidious stress levels can ramp up and yet the remedy is right beneath our nose. Stop for a moment right now and take a deep belly breath and exhale slowly. As you exhale, visualize you are releasing the excess energy that is creating pressure inside. Like a balloon that is inflated too full and ready to burst. We do not realize what we are holding until we actually start to put it down.
Holding the breath can be an unconscious act of holding onto emotions that need to be expressed. Holding onto anger , resentments or fears that need a voice. Holding on to pain that is asking for a path of release. Holding on to our past which is truly over. When we are stuck in a pattern of holding on, we are not available and present to life unfolding right in front of our eyes. Our awareness is hijacked into worry, pain , anger or fear which has a powerful effect of disconnecting us from our deeper wisdom and truth. It is true that stress kills. It can create such a corrosive imbalance in our bodies and in our minds resulting in illness as well as creating the effect of feeling cut off from out spirit. The aspect of our Being that is fundamental to us living with authenticity and presence.
We can survive for weeks without food, days without water but only minutes without breath. There is a yogic saying, when you breathe deep you live deep!
Make a loving commitment today to notice your breathing and deepen the inhale and extend the exhale as long as you can. Welcome peace to be reflected in breath!
Please LIKE and SHARE to anyone that would benefit!
Namaste and Blessings for a Breathing Deep Day!
Anne Christine Townend-Duffey
It's become rather clear to me that a vast majority of our tendencies to ramp up into stress mode stems from the habit of not exhaling deeply. Shallow breathing in general is a sure sign your nervous system is set in stress mode and holding the breath is another sign that your central nervous system is locked in flight ,fight or freeze mode. This pattern over time creates havoc in our physical bodies, in our minds and emotions creating such strain that just navigating the normal decisions one has to make daily can feel overwhelming.
The first step is to notice your breath. Breathe in for 4 counts deep into your belly then exhale for 8. When we double the exhale we short circuit further activating the stress response and turn on the relaxation response. If you are feeling super anxious and distracted, inhale for 4, hold for 7 and exhale for 8. This breath pattern is known for having the capacity to stop an anxiety attack in its tracks!
So breathe deep, and exhale even deeper on a regular basis to reclaim your center. As a yoga and meditation teacher I witness first hand in myself and my students how insidious stress levels can ramp up and yet the remedy is right beneath our nose. Stop for a moment right now and take a deep belly breath and exhale slowly. As you exhale, visualize you are releasing the excess energy that is creating pressure inside. Like a balloon that is inflated too full and ready to burst. We do not realize what we are holding until we actually start to put it down.
Holding the breath can be an unconscious act of holding onto emotions that need to be expressed. Holding onto anger , resentments or fears that need a voice. Holding on to pain that is asking for a path of release. Holding on to our past which is truly over. When we are stuck in a pattern of holding on, we are not available and present to life unfolding right in front of our eyes. Our awareness is hijacked into worry, pain , anger or fear which has a powerful effect of disconnecting us from our deeper wisdom and truth. It is true that stress kills. It can create such a corrosive imbalance in our bodies and in our minds resulting in illness as well as creating the effect of feeling cut off from out spirit. The aspect of our Being that is fundamental to us living with authenticity and presence.
We can survive for weeks without food, days without water but only minutes without breath. There is a yogic saying, when you breathe deep you live deep!
Make a loving commitment today to notice your breathing and deepen the inhale and extend the exhale as long as you can. Welcome peace to be reflected in breath!
Please LIKE and SHARE to anyone that would benefit!
Namaste and Blessings for a Breathing Deep Day!
Anne Christine Townend-Duffey
Just what I needed to start this glorious day Thank you Anne for wisdom. I appreciate every bit of your being!
ReplyDelete