Is Stress Management Possible With Deep Breathing Exercises?!
Question: Breathing is something most people take for granted. However, most of us do not realize that when we are under stress we tend to hold our breath or take short, shallow breaths. Because oxygen is the most important nutrient for the heart, brain and every other major organ of the body, limiting our intake can have far reaching effects on the body. Therefore, breathing exercises can be very helpful for reducing stress, and relaxes the body as well as the mind.
Anyone who has ever noticed how an infant's abdomen rises and falls with each breath has experienced the art of proper deep breathing. Most adults today tend to fill only the upper chest when they breathe and thus miss how the increased oxygen intake relieves tension and improves metal alertness.
This deep breathing exercise to relieve stress can be done in any location:
1. Sitting straight in a chair, place one hand on your abdomen and breathe in deeply through your nose counting to ten.
2. Hold the breath for a count of five and then release slowly through your mouth to a count of ten.
3. While you are holding the breath, focus on your abdomen to ensure it is extended as far as you can comfortably extend it.
It is good to start with five of these exercises, but even two will have an immediate affect.
Here's another breathing exercise that can be done while sitting:
1. Take a deep breath as you drop your chin toward your chest, touching the chest if possible.
2. Exhale as you gently raise your head slowly to an upright position. Repeat as desired.
It may also be helpful to do some
Answers: Breathing is something most people take for granted. However, most of us do not realize that when we are under stress we tend to hold our breath or take short, shallow breaths. Because oxygen is the most important nutrient for the heart, brain and every other major organ of the body, limiting our intake can have far reaching effects on the body. Therefore, breathing exercises can be very helpful for reducing stress, and relaxes the body as well as the mind.
Anyone who has ever noticed how an infant's abdomen rises and falls with each breath has experienced the art of proper deep breathing. Most adults today tend to fill only the upper chest when they breathe and thus miss how the increased oxygen intake relieves tension and improves metal alertness.
This deep breathing exercise to relieve stress can be done in any location:
1. Sitting straight in a chair, place one hand on your abdomen and breathe in deeply through your nose counting to ten.
2. Hold the breath for a count of five and then release slowly through your mouth to a count of ten.
3. While you are holding the breath, focus on your abdomen to ensure it is extended as far as you can comfortably extend it.
It is good to start with five of these exercises, but even two will have an immediate affect.
Here's another breathing exercise that can be done while sitting:
1. Take a deep breath as you drop your chin toward your chest, touching the chest if possible.
2. Exhale as you gently raise your head slowly to an upright position. Repeat as desired.
It may also be helpful to do some