When Life Won't Stop Spinning, Use Your Breath
By Sandy Schroeder
In today's world, most of us have been challenged as we worry about potent issues such as health and wellness, family needs, work demands, and ongoing finances. Finding ways to stay calm can be invaluable as life spins forward.
I have tried many things to let go of my worries and frustrations. Exercise, music, cooking and sketching have all helped me calm down and level out, but one of the easiest and most effective solutions has been using my breath.
Breathe Deep
Your breath can be one of the simplest ways to take control and restore calm. Recently MindBodyGreen.com explained how the breath is the link between our body and our mind. It's really a circular situation. The mind can influence your breathing. When you are panicked, you may take short shallow breaths.
On the other hand, if you change the pattern of your breathing, you may calm your body and your mind. Restoring order to your universe can be as simple as finding a way to go from racing thoughts to new calming input from your body as you use breathing techniques such as MindBodyGreen.com's three steps.
Switch to a focus on the body - Find a comfortable seat. Put your hands in your lap, and keep your feet on the floor. Then let your view of the world soften and watch as your breath goes in and out of your body.
Put down roots - Picture yourself extending roots from your body into the earth.
Extend your exhale - When you lengthen your exhale by one to three minutes you move to a parasympathetic state and gain the calming effect of the breath.
Once you learn how effectively your breath can calm your thoughts, you will probably use that tool wherever you are.
I have used it in the airport, between meetings at work, and at home when one too many things happened. In other situations, I have used it to calm myself before starting a new project or trying to figure out a new development. I have seen others use their breath before facing an audience at work or defending a client in court.
You may also find more breathing relief within yoga or while you are out walking. Stay aware of your breath and your reactions to stress wherever you go.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Windermere, Fla.