Breathing exercises can help center and ground you.
In a fast-paced world, it can be difficult to feel centered and grounded from day to day. You often feel that you are being pulled in a million different directions and can't seem to catch your breath or find a moment of calm. Practicing breathing can help you find a bit of peace, which in turn will allow you to breathe a little deeper throughout your day and add a bit of zen to your daily routine.
Calming, Even Breath
When you breathe even, steady breaths, it sends a signal to the nervous system to relax. Sit in a comfortable position. Breathe in for five counts and out for five counts. After a few breaths, increase to seven counts in and out. Feel the sense of relaxation calm your body and mind.
Alternate Nostril
Alternate nostril breathing is a common yoga breath practice that balances both hemispheres and helps to center you. Sit in a comfortable position. Place your right thumb over your right nostril and exhale out the left side. Inhale out the left and switch sides, blocking the left nostril with your ring finger.
Breath of Fire
Breath of Fire is a powerful breath practice that invigorates you, releases sinus pressure and clears away a foggy head. Try one round of breath for 30 seconds to one minute. Take a deep breath in through your nose and contract your abdominal muscles to exhale. Push out all the air in a short burst, so your inhale comes involuntarily. Imagine you are panting like a dog, but with your mouth closed to clear your sinuses.
Three-Part Breath
The Three-Part Breathing exercise has a calming, balancing effect on the body and mind, and it also builds lung capacity. This breath practice helps to send the signal to your body and mind to quiet down, which allows you to tune in and become more grounded. Lie on your back. Bring one hand to your belly and one hand to your chest. Take a deep breath in, fill your belly, expand your ribs and let your chest rise. As you exhale, let your chest fall, your ribs release and your belly hollow out. Continue this breath, lengthening it a little each time, for five minutes.
Tags: body mind, breath practice, your belly, your chest, Breath Fire, breath practice that