50 Lil' Habits: Mindful Breathing
Deep breathing helps us to relax and think more clearly
Our "go big or go home" culture has left many people feeling overwhelmed, stuck, and gloomy, when all it takes is a lil’ action to turn things around.
Want to try out a new daily habit? I've got a few suggestions.
Here's one:
Take a breath!
Breathing is an essential part of life and something we take entirely for granted. When we inhale oxygen, we feed the cells throughout our body, and when we exhale, we remove toxins. Deep breathing helps us to relax and think more clearly, reducing stress and anxiety.
“The physical benefits of deep breathing are often immediate. By breathing deeply, you can activate your parasympathetic nervous system, and in turn, slow down your heart rate and lower your blood pressure—creating a feeling of calm. You also rely on your diaphragm instead of your chest, inviting your neck and chest muscles to relax and engage your abs and a larger amount of oxygen to reach your body’s cells and organs.” - Chopra.com
When you shift to mindful breathing, you bring your attention to the present moment. You can begin your practice with a focus on the body using diaphragmatic breathing.
Diaphragmatic breathing, also known as belly breathing, helps you use your diaphragm to draw in more oxygen. To do this, sit in a comfortable position and rest one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, allowing your stomach to rise, and feel your chest remain still. Then exhale slowly through your mouth, allowing your stomach to fall.
The perfect lil’ habit is something you can do anytime anywhere, and it doesn’t get easier than paying attention to your breath. And yet… give your Resistance any opportunity to maintain your status quo and they go into guardian mode with full gusto.
No matter what your Resistance says, do it anyway. Give yourself a minimum framework (e.g., at least 30 seconds or at least 5 deep breaths), and then support your consistent execution with a cue (e.g., set an alarm on your phone or do it right after you brush your teeth).
If this LIL’ HABIT resonates with you, create a ripple of action by sharing it with a friend.
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