Breathing that is.
Making changes in our lives and our world is going to take everything we’ve got, but we have to do it and get to the other side in a healthy way. Here’s one important, life-changing technique.
Let’s work on the practice of deep belly breathing this year. The benefits for us and our world are Phenomenal.
Lowers bad cholesterol
Raises good cholesterol
Lowers blood pressure (I tested this one out in the doctor’s office, and it worked)
Reduces negative stress
Reduces cravings for junk food
Elevates your mood
Improves quality of sleep
Lowers your chances of getting diabetes
Helps you make clearer decisions
Calms you down
The list goes on.
Join me in making it a regular practice, whether you make it your morning or lunchtime, or evening ritual. If you use it before you blow up or say the wrong thing or retreat in silence and anger, make it a part of your life. You will see how much it improves it. I know it works in mine, and I am committed to using it even more this year.
Let me get you started with two breathing practices
How to do box breathing:
Get comfortable: Find a quiet spot and sit or lie down.
Inhale (4 counts): Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose for a count of four.
Hold (4 counts): Hold your breath with your lungs full for four seconds.
Exhale (4 counts): Slowly exhale all the air from your mouth for four seconds.
Hold (4 counts): Pause with your lungs empty for four seconds before inhaling again.
Repeat: Continue this cycle for several minutes, or until you feel calmer and more centered.
Benefits:
Reduces stress and anxiety, improves concentration and focus, Calms the nervous system, helps manage high-pressure moments, and can aid in managing insomnia and depression. Learn how here.
How do you do the 4-7-8 breathing exercise?
- To begin, find a comfortable position and make sure you’re sitting up straight.
- Rest your tongue against the back of your teeth and breathe all the way out through your mouth.
- Close your mouth and inhale through your nose for four counts.
- Hold your breath for seven counts.
- Breathe through your mouth for eight counts, and make a whooshing sound as you exhale completely.
Try to complete a few cycles the first time and gradually increase with practice. Some people report becoming light-headed, but the sensation will pass.
Watch this video to learn more.
I need us to commit to this, ya’ll, because honestly, we are dealing with some serious s**t, and our breath is one of our most powerful tools. Let’s use it well!!
In Love,
Dr. Lynne
