Return to yourself with diaphragmatic breathing: 50 day blog - day 11

Diaphragmatic breathing is one of the best strategies we have within ourselves for calming the mind, focusing on the present and dealing with stressful situations. When we are stressed it is the complete antithesis to how our body wants to breathe, but with practice we can learn to access this way of breathing whenever we need it. 

Let me be clear here that there is no single correct way to breathe. We could fill all 50 days of blog with breathing if I was so inclined (I'm not!). Different breathing strategies apply in different situations. The problem is when we get stuck in a particular strategy and use it inappropriately (e.g. holding our breathe when swimming - another day for here perhaps. or breathing stressfully when we are at rest at home)

In my opinion EVERYBODY should spend time practicing diaphragmatic breathing. It relieves stress, calms nerves, allows the body to find introspection, relaxes tissue, warms our core,  helps blood flow, lowers blood pressure......... and many many more benefits that could fill this page. AND, it is probably the strategy that many of us are least inclined to apply when we need it most! Unless we begin to practice it! So here's how to do that! 

Give yourself 10 minutes to yourself. Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet flat on floor, or with your legs out straight, whichever you are most comfortable in. It is lovely to do this in bed, before you are ready to go to sleep.  

Place your hands on your belly button and close your eyes.

Breathe into your belly, allowing the breath to rise into your hands. Breathe out, softening the belly and, importantly, softening the chest and breast bone as you do. 

With each in breath, focus on directing the breath into your belly and hands , with your chest remaining quiet and calm. With each out breath soften yourself into it, letting go and releasing. 

As you breath in you may find yourself widening onto the surface beneath you, allowing it to fully hold and support you. As you breath out you may find yourself softening your front onto your bones and allowing them to support your tissue. Focus fully on experiencing your breath in your belly and the letting go in your chest. Bring your mind back to it if it wanders, just feeling and experiencing and enjoying your breath. 

With practice you will be able to tap onto this calming strategy any time you need it. Your body will begin to know when it needs this strategy and will access it easier over time. Soon you will be able to enjoy diaphragmatic breathing any time you choose and in any situation you need it. 

Enjoy! :-)

Til tomorrow folks....

CT :-) X