Lockdown has become primary to so many of our households now, and being in such a confined space can become a catalyst for anxiety. With so much uncertainty around us and so much conflicting information being given to everyone, we sometimes forget that simple breathing can bring momentary relief and help our thoughts align.
The British Lung Foundation outlines that our body needs oxygen in order to function at it’s best. Breathing supplies all of our vital organs with this and is crucial for our survival. Not only is breathing key to our functionality, but also beneficial for our mental health.
Effective Breathing
When things get a bit much, take yourself to a quiet space (even if this means going into the bathroom for a sec) and exhale. Sometimes we have the tendency to hold our breath when situations get stressful. Exhaling will make you feel amazing! The action alone can symbolise the first step in moving forward, but actually fully exhaling is crucial to ridding our body of toxins and feeling less stagnated.
Basic Breathing Exercises
- Inhale deeply for 5 seconds, ensuring you fill your lungs
- Hold for 3 seconds
- Exhale for 5 seconds, ensuring your stomach flattens
- Repeat 5 times, but can also be done throughout the day
More Extensive Breathing
Adopting The Abdominal Breathing Technique is a way to take your breathe control further and is particularly effective when feeling stressed.
- Place one hand on your chest and other on your stomach.
- Take a deep breath through the nose and inflate your diaphragm (imagine you are filling up your lungs).
- Once your lungs feel ‘full’ or you experience a slight stretching then exhale slowly.
- Complete 5-10 sets of deep breathing.
With there being an array of breathing techniques, mastering control of your inhalation and exhalation is known to help reduce your heart rate and over a longer period of time can be extremely beneficial to your health. On top of that it’s great for your skin too!
THE BRITISH LUNG FOUNDATION:
https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/how-your-lungs-work/why-do-we-breathe
FURTHER EXTENSIVE BREATHING EXERCISES:
https://greatist.com/happiness/breathing-exercises-relax#3.-Progressive-muscle-relaxation-
Perisha Kudhail 