If you're anything like us, the anxiety you're feeling right now with current circumstances in the picture extends far beyond the scale…
Overwhelmed much?
You may be stressed about your health. Stressed about the health of your family and friends. Stressed about work. Stressed about diet. Stressed about all the things.
And if you're feeling like you've gotten used to this new normal and aren't too stressed about this pandemic, you might be feeling a little stressed about embarking on a new journey -- it's a big change.
You can bet your bottom riyal that stress can cause you to think and do some crazy things. (Confession: We thought about buying 132789245 rolls of toilet paper too. We settled for a few cans of hummus and tuna instead, though).
Fortunately, stress is one of Dieture's specialties.
So while we might not have any toilet paper right now (we wish we were kidding...), we do have plenty of #PsychTricks and #PracticalTips up our metaphorical sleeves for times of need, starting with your breath.
Your breath.
We know what you're thinking (we always do btw!): What the heck does my breath have to do with stress?
To which we think back: EVERYTHING.
Seriously though, #Nerds across the world have studied breath for ages, and one thing is for sure: breathing is one of the weirdest bodily functions because it is both involuntary and voluntary. While your breath occurs without conscious thought, your conscious thought can also control it.Philosophical, huh?
With much of your reality out of your control at the moment, we want to focus on what you can control… starting with your breath!
It might sound overly simple, but it's a free tool that's always with you, and who doesn't like free?!
And you don't risk forgetting it at home like your keys. You can't leave your house without your breath -- it's always right there with you!
TECHNIQUE 1: For your body - the falling out breath.
The falling out breath is a great way to release physical tension in the body.
To start, take a deep inhale, filling your lungs with as much air as possible. At the top of your breath, take one more sip of air. Then, exhale, with a big sigh (yes, so you can hear it!) as you release the air from your lungs.
TECHNIQUE 2: For your mind - the box breath
The box breath is a helpful tool to increase your mindfulness.
Inhale to the count of 4, hold your breath at the top to the count of 4, exhale to the count of 4, and hold your breath at the bottom to the count of 4.
TECHNIQUE 3: For your spirit - the emptying breath
The emptying breath is a strategy to activate your parasympathetic nervous system and calm your sympathetic nervous system (aka calm your insides the heck DOWN!).
Inhale to the count of 3 and exhale slowly to the count of 6, focusing on releasing as much air as possible.
Now, it's your turn. You didn't think we'd let you off that easily, did you?!
It's time to practice one of them. Your choice. What will it be?
Falling out breath. Box breath. Emptying breath.
Set your timer for 1 minute and breathe. We want you to use your breath as a tool whenever you feel stressed.
Think: Stop, drop, and 1-minute of zen (aka. breathing).
Be sure to save this article share it with your friends! Ready? Set. Breathe!
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