Just Breathe

Ever had one of those days where you feel like you are walking through a minefield, tip toeing around possible detonations? The stress has you on high alert, your fight or flight mechanism (the body's natural response to stress) has kicked in and you feel like your mind is racing in a million different directions.

How we react to those kinds of days is important when it comes to self care. Taking a moment to recognize what the stress is doing to you, how it is manifesting in your own body is a great starting point. Feel where you hold the stress - are your muscles tense, is your posture slumped, are your hands and feet freezing? Take a moment to feel the feelings.

And then just breathe.

I know - sounds way too simple. There was a time when I was a huge naysayer. But if you can get past the "this is never going to work on me" mindset, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Doesn't need to be fancy. No need for inhale with one nostril closed, etc. (Although you may want to progress to other styles once you've been able to appreciate the effectiveness of the breath.) Feel the breath flooding through your body, infusing cells with nutrients and oxygen. Feel the muscles unwind.

In doing so you will be able to slow your heart rate down, reduce anxiety and refocus your energy.

It's quick, it's simple and it works. Practising this technique every day increases awareness on how truly effective the breath can be in keeping us calm and grounded.

Hope your week is manageable!