Breathing exercises can be a very powerful tool to use when you want to get control of your state of mind, or even if you are going through a period of high stress or change, such as a new work environment, weight loss, or quitting smoking. It can make you feel more centered, more confident, and more in control.
Deep Breathing Exercises Here’s the first breathing exercise we just discussed on the previous page. Start by taking a break. If you’re trapped at work and can't take a break, just do the breathing exercises while sitting at your desk. The breathing exercises will still have a calming impact.
Relax – relax your arms, shoulders, neck, and
even close your eyes.
Slowly inhale through your nose to a count of 5,
drawing the air down into your abdomen.
Slowly exhale through your mouth to a count of 6.
Repeat until your breathing is regular and steady.
Continue for about 2 minutes.
With every slow inhale, and long exhale, you should feel more relaxed. You can also enhance your feeling of inner peace by focusing your thoughts on things that are calming and relaxing to you while doing the breathing exercises. Clearing your mind while practicing this breathing exercise is even better.
Muscle Relaxation Breathing Add these steps to your breathing exercises.
Clear your mind of stressful thoughts. It’s all about
you and your breathing right now. Nothing else.
Mentally scan your body, notice the areas that feel
tense or cramped and release them.
Rotate your head in a smooth circular motion, right
to left and left to right, once or twice very slowly.
Roll your shoulders forward and backward a few
times. Let all of your muscles completely relax.
Continue inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. You
should feel relaxed.
Relax with “Tranquility is Yours” videos If you find yourself “mind racing,” and you just can’t seem to let those stressful thoughts go, just click on one of the videos on “Tranquility is Yours.” You probably know by now that the videos have a calming affect, and can help you release stressful thoughts.
Relax with Music Combine your breathing exercises with your favorite music. Select the type of music that you find soothing or calming, and make sure it will play without interruption.
Relax using Affirmations Once you are comfortable performing the breathing exercises, add some positive self-talk, or what some call positive affirmations to the mix. Identify your self-talk, that is, what you are saying to yourself about what’s going on in your life. It is important to identify negative self-talk and replace it with healthy, positive self-talk. Positive self-talk and calming mental imagery can help you focus on relaxation and create harmony between your mind and body.
Here are some positive thoughts that can enhance your breathing exercises, but come up with some that work specially for you:
My neck and shoulders are letting go.
I am calm and in control.
Breathing deeply is soothing and relaxing.
I feel centered and calm.
I am refreshed and ready for anything.
Breathing exercises are a powerful tool that give you control over your state of mind. It’s a simple, yet underutilized stress relief technique which can induce a relaxed state of mind. Give it a try, and see what it does for you.
"Tranquility is Yours" is also linked to WebMD. On our WebMD page you can browse the latest headlines in alternative medicine, and find a link to "Ask an Expert" on issues surrounding living well.
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