The Calming Breath 1:2 Ratio Breathing

Ever had some crazy on the road, cut you off at the lights? Before the obscenities started and your blood started boiling, you might have noticed your breath became short and sharp.

We say things like “ohh, that took my breath away”, “I’m short on breath”,”I gasped at the sight of it”. Breathing is pretty important right (derrrr), but did you know that when you get stressed your breath becomes shallow and lungs don’t fully inflate which can reduce levels of oxygen in the blood, elevate stress and leave you feeling tired.

Becoming aware of your breath and even the breath of those around you (I’m not talking halitosis here), can really tell you a lot about how you’re feeling and ‘d how a person is feeling.

A quick and easy breath technique to assist the body in calming back down after a fright, in times of anxiety or even when someone is having a mild panic attack is to increase the length of the exhalation. That will help get all the waste products your body just made out and signal to the guys or gals running your nervous system that all is clear and you’re out of danger.

Watch and Give it a go!

HERE’S HOW TO DO THE 1:2 RATIO CALMING BREATH

Ideally breathe in and out through your nose, but if that’s not comfortable breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. It’s much easier to regulate the out flow of breath if it’s through your nose. But there are times when your nose is blocked or it’s not just comfortable to do that, so just go with the flow (literally).

Step 1: Breathe in for 4 counts or however many counts feels normal for you

Step 2: Lengthen the exhale, up to twice as long as the inhalation.

Tips: Let the breath flow gently and avoid forcing it. Relax your neck and shoulders, let the air flow gently into your belly, then filling up your lungs and chest, exhaling gently back out with sustained control.

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