The power of the breath can be used to calm you.
Posted on September 10, 2020 by Kylie Chebahtah, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
If you ever experience anxiety, panic states, worry-loop, or shortness or breath... learn how you can use the power of your own breath to heal!
The breath is the most important function we have at our disposal. Breath is the first thing that brings us into this life and is the last thing we do on this earth. Think of when the doctor spanks the baby after birth and someone’s final breath before they pass on. Breath is what anchors us to the here and now of our physical life on planet earth.
As a nurse, I know the important role oxygenation plays in our tissues and brain function. We get nutrients to the lungs, which goes to the heart, and then the whole body. Did you know the breath can also be used to calm you?
It’s the most powerful tool we have. And here’s the best part: we can control it! The science supports this – a simple breath practice can dramatically shift our heart rate, blood pressure, attitudes, thoughts, and mood.
If you ever experience anxiety, panic states, worry-loop, or shortness or breath you know what I mean when I say, “It’s hard to breathe”. Because it is. Physically and mentally you are not in the space to do it. When the body is under physiological or even psychological stress, it can be very hard to tune into the body and help ourselves by taking a deep breath.
And that’s why this is an important PRACTICE to start practicing even when you’re not in those stressful states! Deep breathing is a skill, it takes time to learn. Keep practicing!
How to use breath to calm you:
Inhale for 5 seconds, hold it, exhale for 5 seconds. Repeat. Then repeat again.
Taking 3 deep breaths down into the belly and releasing slowly through pursed lips (as if you were drinking from a straw) when we feel overwhelmed or anxious can literally cure the feelings of anxiety.
You will feel more centered and your thoughts will begin to slow down. You will start to calm yourself.
Do this as many times as you need to! (I recommend 3-5 minutes)
It can take you from a place of anger, to a place of contentment. When you feel that surge of rage: think “3 deep breaths”, then inhale very slowly and exhale very slowly.
You will feel the calming effects immediately.
You can do this anywhere at any time because it only takes 30 seconds!
You don’t need medications, special candles, or calming sprays… simply focus on your breath and turn inward for 3 cycles.
Just breathe,
Kylie Chebahtah, BSN, RN, HWNC-BC
