Creating Calm
Breathing gives life. Isn't it amazing that our bodies take more than 20,000 breaths per day, and that each breath removes up to 70 percent of toxins in our bodies? And we don't even have to think for this to happen — it just does. Focused breathing exercises can help reduce stress, depression, anxiety, ADD, headaches and other disorders of the body and mind. In as little as five minutes a day, we can practice a simple breathing technique that can center us, help us focus, reduce stress and bring more productivity to our lives, even when chaos surrounds us.
Begin by sitting quietly and taking several deep breaths through your nose, focusing on where your breath enters and exits the body. When you are ready, inhale slowly to a count of three. Hold for one count and exhale slowly through your nose to three counts. Next inhale to five, hold for two and exhale for five. Then inhale to the count of seven, hold for five, and exhale to seven. Resume calm, relaxed breathing until you are ready to continue your day.
This breathing exercise takes less than five minutes and can be done anywhere, anytime we feel stressed, even while driving.
