Wellness Wednesday: Take a Deep Breath and Blow off the Stress!

Yoga instructors know the importance of a deep breath for meditation and relaxation. Deep breaths are one of the easiest, most convenient and natural tools to combat issues like stress and anxiety! Did you know practicing simple breathing exercises helps you use your lungs better by getting in touch with your natural breathing rhythm? Conscious breathing also helps lower your blood pressure, controls harmful stress hormones and improves your mood.

Try one of these techniques to center your mind and release everyday tension:

Sit in a  relaxed position. Take a deep breath in through your nose and hold for several seconds. Breathe out through your mouth as you relax with each breath. Repeat three to 10 times.

From a standing position, bend forward from the waist with your knees slightly bent and allow your arms to dangle close to the floor. As you take a deep breath in, return to a standing position by rolling up slowly, lifting your head last. Exhale slowly as you return to the original position, bending forward from the waist.

Whether your at your desk or out and about give yourself a breathing break every two to three hours. You will feel better and get in touch with your natural breathing patterns!