Breathe.....

So many illnesses stem from stress, this stress prevents the body from breathing correctly as our bodies remain in the 'fight or flight' state.  Taking the time out to do these breathing exercises below and thinking of your breath during the day and breathing deeply can have a profound effect on health. 

BREATHING TECHNIQUES
FOR
RELAXATION AND STRESS REDUCTION



BENEFITS OF BREATHING

Calms the nervous system

Reduces anxiety

Promotes relaxation

Increases energy mentally and physically

Improves blood circulation

Aids digestion

Enhances skin radiance

Increases recovery time after stress and exertion

Breathing giving a sense of

WELL BEING



Arctic Cheffing on an Ice Breaker


The Measured Breathe

You can sit or stand, but be sure to soften up a little before you begin. Make sure your hands are relaxed, and your knees are soft.

Drop your shoulders and let your jaw relax.

Now breathe in slowly through your nose and count to four, keep your shoulders down and allow your stomach to expand as you breathe in.

Hold the breath for a moment.

Now release your breath slowly and smoothly as you count to seven.

Repeat for a couple of minutes.


Pohutakawa 'New Zealand Christmas Tree'


Bumble Bee Breathe

Relax your shoulders

Close your throat slightly so you can hear your breath when you breathe in

Cover your ears with your thumbs and your eyes with your fingers

Keep your lips closed but lightly and your teeth slightly apart with your jaw relaxed and breathe out slowly making a long, low humming sound

Make your exhalation long and smooth

Repeat 5-10 times

Then sit with long slow breaths for a couple of minutes and enjoy the peace.


A Tongan Sun Set

Belly Breathing

Breath in slowly and deeply through your nose. Make sure your shoulders are down and relaxed. In this exercise, your stomach should expand, but your chest should rise very little. So, if you want, you can place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest so you can feel how you are breathing.

Exhale slowly through your mouth. As you blow air out, purse your lips slightly, but keep tongue and jaw relaxed. You may hear a soft “whooshing” sound as you exhale. That's good, listen for that sound every time your practice and learn to value it as the sound of relaxation.

Repeat this breathing exercise for several minutes. Make your outgoing breath as long and smooth as you can. The out breath is the key to relaxation so give it your full attention and practice breathing out in a long slow controlled breath and you will quickly feel the benefit.

TODAY
I WILL REMEMBER
TO
BREATHE


Namaste



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