You wake up, tidy the house, make the bed, get dressed, eat breakfast, take care of the kids, drive to work, and start on your lengthy to-do list. And that’s just before 8 AM. Life is moving fast, so it’s no wonder we’re all stressed out. While there’s a lot that is out of our control, one thing that can help you gain control is taking a moment to meditate on your breath. It may seem like you don’t have time for it, but we promise it will be worth it, and you’ll be glad you gave it a shot.
Belly Breaths
Belly breathing is a wonderful place to begin. Start by finding a comfortable position lying or sitting. Place one hand on your belly, and one on your chest. Breathe in through your nose and out through your lips, making sure to focus on the movement of your hand, up and down. Do this as many times as you need to, and go as slow as what feels comfortable for you.
4-7-8
This one is pretty easy to follow. Start in the same position as belly breathing with your hands in their respective spots. Breathe in for 4 seconds. Hold your breath for 7 seconds. Then slowly release your breath for 8 seconds. Repeat as many as 10 times. This is an excellent way to practice releasing control and also patience.
You might also like: Try Cleaning These Hidden Spots At Home
Roll With It
Roll breathing is our final suggestion for some relaxation. Starting in the same position and hand placement, breathe into your lower lungs so that your hand on your belly expands but your hand on your chest does not move. Practice this at least 10 times. Now that you’ve mastered the belly, try adding in the chest by bringing your breath higher. You’ll notice that your hands are rolling throughout the process.
These breathing exercises are a great way to unwind and catch your breath (literally). Remember, life gets crazy, but it’s OK to take time for yourself. These few minutes of breathing can save you stress in the future, and that’s more beneficial than anything. Always take care of yourself!
Disclaimer: The stock image is being used for illustrative purposes only, and it is not a direct representation of the business, recipe, or activity listed. Any person depicted in the stock image is a model.