Your key to calm and clarity
March 25, 2024
What if I told you that you possess a simple yet profoundly powerful tool to combat stress and anxiety? A tool that has the ability to ground you in the present moment, ease your mind, and restore energetic harmony within yourself and your relationships.
Your breath can do all that. If you get into the habit of using it effectively.
Imagine being able to stop stress and anxiety in their tracks, to break free from spiralling thoughts that leave you feeling overwhelmed and disconnected.
Picture yourself reclaiming control of your emotions and responses, fostering deeper connections with the people closest to you, and experiencing a greater sense of peace and well-being in your daily life.
When I learned how to harness the transformative practice of somatic breath work and learned how to harness the power of my breath, it unlocked a world of calm, clarity, and connection.
The Science of Somatic Breath Work:
When you engage in deliberate breathing, you activate your parasympathetic nervous system, triggering a relaxation response that counteracts the stress response. This leads to reduced heart rate, lower blood pressure, and decreased levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Deep breathing also increases oxygen flow to the brain, which enhances cognitive function, focus, and clarity.
Regulate your breath - shift your state.
When you actively regulating your breath, you can shift from a state of heightened arousal to one of calm and centeredness, which allows you to navigate whatever life throws at you with greater ease and resilience.
Breath Work Techniques for Every Day:
There's a breath work technique for every occasion, whether you're seeking relaxation, energy, or mental clarity. Here are a two to try:
Deep Belly Breathing:
Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to rise as you fill your lungs with air. Exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your belly fall. Repeat for several breaths, focusing on the rise and fall of your abdomen.
Box Breathing:
Inhale deeply for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of four, exhale for a count of four, and hold your breath for a count of four. Repeat this pattern for several rounds, allowing yourself to sink into a state of relaxation with each breath.
Navigating Stressful Situations:
In moments of stress and anxiety, your breath is your ultimate anchor. By tuning into your breath, you can ground yourself in the present moment and regulate your body's stress response. Try these strategies:
Pause and Reset:
When you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to pause and notice your breath. Notice the sensation and temperature of air flowing in and out of your body. Allow your breath to slow and deepen, signalling to your nervous system that it's safe to relax.
Counting Breath:
Counting your breaths can help redirect your focus away from anxious thoughts. Inhale deeply for a count of four, hold for a count of four, exhale for a count of four, and repeat. Focus on the rhythm of your breath, allowing it to anchor you in the present moment.
Take a Deep Breath and Dive In:
Are you ready to experience the profound benefits of Somatic breath work and unlock a deeper sense of calm, clarity, and connection in your life? Book an in-depth Somatic Breath Work session with me designed to release stress, unwind tension, and unlock the potential for deep inner healing.
Breathe it in, be deliberate, and be good to yourself!
Chelsea
aka The Deliberate One
Seeking additional support? Book a complimentary 45 Minute connection session with me. Click here to book!