As you might have figured it out considering the themes of my previous posts, I like writing about wellness and what to do to get more of it for ourselves. There are so many easy ways to get a little bit more piece of mind, but, I would think, the easiest one of them is taking deep breaths actually. Something so simple, yet so important, that we take for granted… Of course, there are certain techniques to make it more efficient. That is what I would like to share with you this time.

Stress may be an unavoidable part of life, but the way you respond to it is totally in your control, and changing the way you breathe is the fastest way to change how you feel. Regulating your breath will calm you down quickly. Breathing is the most powerful healing technology, and you can practice it anywhere. 

Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D. who is a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine, comes up with three very effective breathing exercises in his website. I would highly suggest you take a look at them when you have a moment. From those three techniques, my favorite one is the 4-7-8 exercise. Which is inhaling quietly through your nose for a count of four, keeping your breath in for a count of seven and then exhaling through your mouth slowly for a count of eight, while lying down on your back or sitting straight. Start with three to four cycles at the beginning, for a month or so, and then, go up to eight cycles, twice a day. 

This technique not only helps with lowering stress, anxiety and worry levels but also helps with panic attacks and social phobia. Before reacting to anything upsetting, please try this breathing exercise, and you will see that you are not as upset anymore and that you can react in a more rational way, rather than going with the heat of the moment.

I hope you benefit from it as much as I do. Enjoy!