The act of self-care can be a simple one, and something that doesn’t have to take too much time either. So lets go real simple and easy, breathing! Whether it’s to help you feel more energised, calm your nerves, or reduce your stress – the simple act of breathing can help with these.
Energising
If you know a bit of yoga you’ll know the cat/cow pose. This activity is easy, you can do it anywhere (even in bed), and the focus is steady breathing. On all fours in a tabletop position, inhale through your nose whilst you whilst your stomach dips to the ground and you look up to the sky. Then when you breath out lift and arch your back the other way and drop your head looking to the ground. And that’s all it is for a couple of minutes!
Nerves
If you start to feel that nervous and anxious energy run through your body, stop and take a few minutes to breathe. Slowly inhale, then exhale through the nose (we all can breathe deeply and slowly for different amounts of time, so do what feels right for you). Then inhale and exhale slowly through your mouth. Inhale through the nose, and exhale through the mouth. Then lastly inhale through your mouth and exhale through your nose. Repeat a few times! This balancing of the breath can help to balance you, and connecting to the breath in this way can help you to feel less overwhelmed.
Stress
Another way to reduce that stress or anxiety that might be bubbling up is to breathe into your diaphragm. With one hand on your belly and another on your chest, breath in slowly until your diaphragm is full, hold, then breathe out until there is no air. You should feel your stomach rise and fall. Keep repeating this, and focus on how your body feels and you feel. This is also mindful breathing – and just 5 – 20 minutes activates our relaxation system.
