We are moving through life quickly, rushing from Point A to Point B, not even realizing we are only breathing from our chest’s, not fully breathing. There is always so much going on, we spend a great deal of our lives in survival mode, in work mode and multi-tasking trying to get as much done as possible.
When we can begin to find our breath in our bodies, we can calm our nervous system down. Our breath is the bridge between the mind and the body. A powerful tool that is available to us. It is how we can begin to find balance, calm and sustainability in our lives. Breath-work allows us to tap in and fully engage our breath.
So what is it?
Breath-work, is composed of specific breathing exercises that allows us to intentionally control our breathing. By regulating the breath we are able to control and optimize different parts of our body. Breath work allows us to switch from the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) to the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest).
Our breath is accessible to us, it is free and all we need to do is tap into it.
Let’s Try it on Belly Breathing
Belly breathing is a great way to regulate our nervous system. By extending the exhale we allow ourselves to get into the body and slow down. We let our body know, hey it’s okay to slow down. One of the benefits of this exercise is that it can be done anywhere, at work, in the car or waiting in line to pay.
Let’s breathe.
Find a position that is comfortable for you, sitting, standing or laying down in bed. Now begin to notice your breath.
Where do you feel it? We are trying to feel the sensation of the breath in our own body. No need to change it or try to control it. Just notice.
Take a big breath in through the nose, and sigh it all out.
Now, inhaling through both nostrils, filling up the belly, expanding and exhaling slowly allowing the belly release.
You can place one hand on the belly to help find the breath. If it feels uncomfortable at first that is OKAY.
Take it slow, and mindfully inhale through the nostrils and expand the belly, exhale and release.
Continue to practice this way for 10 breaths.
Once you complete the exercise let go of the breath.
Notice how do you feel?
What did it feel like to breathe this way?