For those of you on winter break right now, I hope you're enjoying yourselves! We are currently at the beach relishing in the ocean air and salty hair...
There's something so magical about water. The way it relaxes you, gets you to think deep and dream big. I love gazing out and wondering what's beyond the horizon of water that I can't see. I find myself automatically taking deeper breaths and my body instantly unwinding. It's like medicine for our soul. While away, I'm making a point to practice breathwork daily. It's winter break after all, so I'm really going to take advantage of this time off with my family and practice some extra self-care. In fact, if you're in my self-love challenge, one of our daily challenges was breathwork. Breathing properly is one of the truest forms of self-care, but most of us don't do it properly.
Take a second and think about how you're breathing right now. Are you breathing through your nose or mouth? Are you breaths shallow or deep? Breathing is something we do every single day but most of us don't do it correctly - or at least in a way to get maximum benefit from it.
Our noses are our the first line of defense in our immune system. So for starters, breathing through our nose helps reduce illness and increases immunity. It also helps to calm our sympathetic nervous system ("fight or flight" response) and lowers anxiety, fear, and blood pressure. It also can help increase our energy if we're getting proper oxygen into our bodies. At night, it helps us to fall asleep faster, sleep deeper and it can improve digestion!
Sometimes we look for quick fixes and are willing to pay a lot money for them. There aren't many quick fixes in life - especially free ones - but I would argue that breathing properly is one of them. We were born with this ability and yet we forget it's innate. Next time you're feeling anxious, low energy or can't sleep, I challenge you to try breathwork before reaching for anything else.
One of my favorite techniques is the Box Method because it's easy to remember. Breathe in through your nose for a count of 4, hold your breath for a count of 4, exhale through your mouth for a count of 4 then hold your breath again for a count of 4. Repeat 4x. You can also do the same thing with a count of 5 if you prefer.
Use this "quick fix" as often as you need. Ideally, practice it daily. The more you do it, the more it will become second nature. Watch as your body and mind become at ease more often. This is a free tool you have access to 24-7. Take advantage of it!
Talk soon,
Ali Naglee
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Certified Girlife Facilitator
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