Breath work for calmness in uncertain times

I have been watching the recent turn of events with an attitude of rebellion at times. I refuse to give in to fear or let the media control what I think is best for me. Then the closures began and all my part time gigs have ceased until further notice…. no group classes means no yoga classes in studio or at the YMCA. Even my private clients are taking a break until life returns to normal. Since this began I have adding even more breath work to my classes as a way to help keep everyone calm and also to aid in lung capacity. I will explain a technique at the end of this for you all to practice at home. Yoga breath work is scientifically proven to calm the mind by increasing the amount of serotonin carried in the saliva. The body produces more of it during breath work. I have studied with a physician who is also a yoga teacher and he studied chemo patients doing breath work before treatment along with those who did not and the charts of the tested saliva are amazing. This is one reason why yoga along with breathing techniques are so helpful to mental health patients and 12 step programs. So, here is some information for you all to try pranayama, yogic breath work.

Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Breath in and out through the nose only and focus your attention on your breathing which is normally not something you would do. Notice the breath flowing in and filling the chest, lungs and belly, then each exhale fully emptying the belly then chest. Take another inhale and exhale and follow the flow of the breath….continue like this for a few rounds more.

Now inhale and begin to count in your mind to 5, 6 or 8 as high as you can comfortably inhale. Then exhale for the same count. *remember to begin exhaling slowly with control to be able to make the count. Keep this going for 8 rounds of breath. After 8 rounds return to regular breath through the nose. We will add to this after 5 rounds of normal breath.

Inhale for your longest count, then exhale the same count and hold at the bottom for a few seconds. Repeat this pattern for 8 rounds and then return to regular breathing through the nose. You may end here.

I will post other breathing techniques in the future and also I hope to upload videos of breath work and yoga in the future as these 2 things are so helpful in anxious times.

BE WELL, BE SAFE, BE FREE FROM HARM…and PLEASE Ask for HELP when you need it!