Breathing is an essential part of life. It’s something we do every moment, yet most of us don’t give it a second thought. However, when used mindfully, breathing can be a powerful tool in calming the mind and reducing stress.
One effective practice is diaphragmatic breathing or deep belly breathing. This involves inhaling deeply through the nose, allowing your diaphragm to move down and your belly to expand. As you exhale slowly through your mouth or nose, your belly contracts back towards your spine. Diaphragmatic breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which helps to slow down heart rate and blood pressure, promoting feelings of peace and calmness.
Another beneficial technique is box breathing or square breathing. This method includes four stages: inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, exhale for four seconds, then pause again for another four seconds before repeating the cycle. Box breathing is often used by athletes and military personnel to manage stress levels during high-pressure situations due its ability to increase focus and performance while lowering anxiety.
Alternatively, one could try alternate nostril breathing—a common practice in yoga that balances both hemispheres of the brain leading to physical equilibrium and mental tranquility. To perform this exercise, sit comfortably with delta 9 gummies eyes closed; using right thumb close off right nostril then inhale slowly through left nostril; close left nostril with ring finger then open right nostril and exhale gradually; keep right nostril open as you breathe in then switch sides again by closing off right side with thumb while releasing breath from left side.
The 4-7-8 method also known as ‘relaxing breath’ is another useful technique that promotes better sleep besides calming the mind. In this process one inhales quietly through nose for count of 4 holds breath for count of 7 then exhales forcefully via mouth making whoosh sound for count of 8; this cycle is repeated four times in total.
Lastly, mindful breathing or breath awareness can be practiced anywhere anytime. It simply involves focusing your attention on the breath as it comes in and out, without trying to control it. This practice helps to anchor the mind in the present moment and reduces rumination on past events or future worries.
In conclusion, these breathing practices offer a simple yet effective way of calming the mind. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or just need a moment of calmness during a busy day, incorporating these techniques into your routine can greatly improve mental wellbeing. Practice them regularly and remember that like any other skill they require time and consistency to become second nature but once mastered their benefits are truly transformative.