Hey Balanced Life Family,
Take a deep breath in. Now slowly let it out. Repeat this a few times and you may notice a difference in how you feel already. Your breath is a powerful tool to ease stress and make you feel less anxious. Simple breathing exercises can make a big difference if you make them part of your regular routine.
Breathing in for a count of four and out for a count of eight for about 60 seconds can start to calm your nervous system. Remember to try this when you feel angry, anxious, irritated, or nervous.
The experts say controlled breathing can cause physiological changes that include:
1. lowering blood pressure and heart rate
2. reduced levels of stress hormones in the blood
3. balanced levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood
4. improved immune system function
5. increased physical energy
6. increased feelings of calm and well-being
Look at that! A short breathing exercise can be effective in the moment, but making a daily practice a few times during the day could condition you for better health over the long run.
Listen! I take my blood pressure at home and it’s usually good. When I go to the doctor, they take it and it’s usually high. So, I started doing breathing exercises at home and right before my pressure was taken during my doctor’s visit, and it hasn’t been high since. WOW! I was so surprised that this really worked for me.
Now, I’m remembering to take a few breaks throughout the day to do breathing exercises. I even do one at night before I fall asleep. It has really been helpful to me.
If you have a smartphone you can probably find a free app that will help you time your breathing exercises.
When you’re feeling anxious, or stressed, or you’re about to have your blood pressure taken, why not try a breathing exercise and see if it works for you? Your breath is powerful.
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