Discovering Breathwork
Stress is hard to ignore when the world seems to be going so fast. When we feel like we can’t catch up, we tend to try and go faster and stronger, when maybe the answer is slowly down and taking a moment to reflect. Stress Awareness month prompts us to look for additional ways to manage stress in healthy and effective ways. Breathwork is an incredible tool that can be used wherever you are at whatever time of day to bring you back to the present moment and find clarity in the chaos.
So What is Breathwork?
This is a breathing practice that cools the brain and the body. It strengthens breath awareness, moistens the airways and serves as an internal air-conditioning system,. It is particularly helpful when you start to feel overheated, overwhelmed, or stressed. It forces the body to regulate the nervous system and bring the brain and body into a unified space.
How to Practice Breathwork
To Practice Gentle Breathwork
Sit comfortably in a chair or on the floor.
Begin to bring attention to your breathing.
Start to imagine seamlessly weaving the in-breath and out-breaths together.
Start to curl the tongue like a straw.
Inhale as you breathe into the curled tongue slowly and smoothly.
Exhale, close the mouth and breath out through the nose.
Repeat this for several breaths as you notice the sensation of cool air coming in through the tongue.
Repeat up to 3 to 18 times and then close the mouth and rest.
Notice the cooling effect and sit quietly for a few minutes before resuming activity.
Sitkari Pranayama-In Sanskrit, 'Sitkari' means 'sipping' or 'hissing'. This is another version of the same practice but for those who can’t roll the tongue. Did you know about 30% of people can’t roll their tongues?
To Practice:
Follow the same steps from above, but rather than curling the tongue, start to smile with your teeth together.
Breath in through your teeth.
Close the lips and breath out through the nose.
As in Sitali, this can be done 3-18 times before resting.
Try it today and add a little relaxation and mindfulness in your routine! Or join us for a breathwork pop up class during stress awareness month!