Tuesday 10 July 2007

Feeling anxious - take a breath!!

"Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again" - L. Frank Baum

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Breathing is something that comes so naturally that we don't think about it. Breathing slowly and properly automatically relaxes the body and prepares it for optimal functioning. The body will not be able to perform physical exertion without proper breathing. In turn, the body cannot relax without proper breathing.

Steady, persistent breathing practice will get your body in the habit of always breathing deeply and slowly. This will relieve any anxiety you may be feeling.

Begin by lying flat on your back or standing up straight. You may also sit up straight in a chair, if that is more comfortable.
Place your hand on your stomach area.
Breathe as you normally would and notice whether your hand rises or your chest rises.
To breathe properly, your stomach area must rise as your diaphragm expands.
To learn to breathe correctly, begin by slowly breathing in through your nose on the count of 5 while gently pushing your hand up with your stomach.
Hold the breath for a count of 5.
Slowly exhale through your mouth for a count of five while gently pushing down on your stomach.
Repeat this process for 5 minutes.

If you continue to practice breathing this way, you will soon be doing it naturally throughout the day. An additional benefit will be that once you are familiar with the exercise, you can do it to relax!!

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