Does your monkey mind get stuck in a thought pattern and you are aware yet you cannot do much - We look into the first and most essential solution to depression, overthinking, mind chattering and many other mental health issues.
Deep Breathing:
Breathing is the first process we experience once outside the womb. It is our birthright. It carries, balances and activates the life-giving prana energy within us. It is the most subtle, unconscious yet highly healing process of all the seven processes of our body.
There are many kinds of breathing, today we will talk about deep breathing for calming down our chattering mind.
What should good breathing feel like?
If you're breathing effectively, your breath will be smooth, steady, gentle and controlled. You should feel relaxed and as though you're able to get enough air without straining. It should feel easy to breathe, and your breath should be silent or quiet.
Diaphragmatic or Deep breathing-
Deep breathing slows down your heart rate, allows the body to take in more oxygen and ultimately signals the brain to wind down. It also balances your hormones- lowering down cortisol levels, increasing endorphin rush in the body. Following a simple deep breathing regime- '5-4-3-2-1' can guarantee better sleep.
Deep breathing restores lung function by using the diaphragm. Breathing through the nose strengthens the diaphragm and encourages the nervous system to relax and restore itself.
The better the air quality and the deeper you breathe the more you can help your immune system work properly. Routinely practicing deep breathing exercises can improve your overall immune system. Pranayama enhances and stimulates the immune system. Improves function and strengthens cells, tissue, glands and organs.
Proper breathing starts in the nose and then moves to the stomach as your diaphragm contracts, the belly expands and your lungs fill with air. "It is the most efficient way to breathe, as it pulls down on the lungs, creating negative pressure in the chest, resulting in air flowing into your lungs.
Practice diaphragmatic breathing for 5 to 10 minutes 3 to 4 times per day. When you begin you may feel tired, or even dizzy but the rule is to start slow and easy. Over time the technique should become easier and should feel more natural.
Exercise for Daily Practice-
Try to deep breathe for 10 minutes or until you feel relaxed and less stressed. Gradually work your way up to 15-20 minutes. Though I would suggest to start ease - simply begin to get conscious of your own breathing.
As yourself lovingly observing -
How is my breath?
Am I breathing through my nose or mouth?
Which nostril is active right now?
How deep can I feel the air penetrating?
Then slow switch to mild control-
Consciously breathing in through your nose and breathing out through your mouth for 3 to 5minutes and do it 2 to 3 times in a day.
What are you waiting for begin right now to get hold of your first birthright- Your Breath.
Happy Breathing!
Happy breathing to you too! Interesting article