Breathe

Breathe. Inhale and exhale.

The human body is miraculous. We are made up of various highly intelligent systems working together to keep us alive. Respiration takes place without us having to consciously think about each inhale and exhale. Despite the constant functioning of our lungs and diaphragm, we can restrict the potential of these organs when we are experiencing stress or living such a busy life that we are not tuning into our body. Through my massage practice as well as personal experiences, I have found that when we don't slow down and listen to the body, that is when we end up in pain, injured or with an illness. Taking time to stop doing everything else that our daily routine requires and focusing on deep and slow breaths allows us to center in on what needs our attention in our body.

Here is a simple way to practice mindful breathing: sit in a comfortable position or lay down, place your hands on your abdomen, slowly inhale through your nose, filling your lungs and expanding all the way through your abdomen (imagine that all of the air you are taking in is pushing into your hands). While inhaling scan your entire body, what do you notice? Are there any areas that feel constricted, tight, sore, heavy? As you exhale, slowly release the air from your abdomen all the way out through the lungs and out through the mouth. Let go of what isn't serving you in your body and your thoughts. Repeat for at least 5 cycles. How do you feel? I find this practice is easy to do wherever I am and it really helps me to recenter, clear my head and relax in the midst of stress and chaos.

Deep breathing exercises have many benefits, which include: decreasing stress and anxiety, elimination of toxins from the body, improved quality of sleep and relief of general aches and pains. Consider deep breathing exercises on a daily basis to help improve quality of life.