Our sedentary, hectic, fast-paced, technology-overloaded lifestyles increase our stress levels. Stress can lead to emotional discomfort, a negative outlook, and to poor health. It can affect us even more without regular exercise and breath work.
Did you notice that your breathing changed?
When stressed, we tend to breathe more shallowly. That means we aren’t getting enough oxygen moving through our bodies. Guess what? The shallow breathing creates more stress—in your already stressed body. I am convinced that we all need to be more proactive about taking a few minutes throughout the day to check our breathing. We need to correct shallow breathing and ensure that we have a regular, balanced inflow and outflow of life-giving breath.
Take a few moments, right now to do a simple stress check-up and breathing exercise with me. I guarantee you will feel less stressed, more relaxed, and more energized.
Three-minute stress check-up and energizer
- Without moving, where is your head? Is it centered over your shoulders or pushed forward while you’re reading this?
- Glance down at your posture. Are you slouching forward? Where are your hips, are they aligned under your shoulders?
- How is your breathing? Is it shallow, normal, or deep? Fast? Slow? Or barely noticeable?
Stand up, and take a moment to realign and center your body so that everything is in a neutral position.
- Shake your arms and legs to release stress and tension. That will also loosen up your joints and muscles.
- You want your head centered over your shoulders and your chin slightly lifted.
- Shoulders back and centered over your hips.
Now it’s time for the breathing and energizing exercise. Read through the four steps (outlined below) before you begin. Lower your eyelids slightly and relax while you focus on each breath.
- Begin with your mouth closed. Take a long full breath by INHALING slowly and deeply through your nose to the count of 4
- HOLD your breath as you count to 4 again
- Open your mouth and slowly and forcefully EXHALE to the count of 4
- Repeat this breathing exercise 4 more times, then relax
Continue to give yourself this quick stress checkup and energizer several times a day. It will increase your vitality and uplift your spirit and perspective.
Did you try the simple check-up and breathing exercise? How did you feel afterward? Please share in the comments below.
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