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It's Your Health: The Benefits of Breathing Exercisesadapted by Earleen RileyBreathing exercises bring wonderful benefits. They can reverse your stress response which, if chronically triggered and not reversed in a timely manner, can lead to chronic stress. This can really wreak havoc on your body. Breathing exercises can help to reverse the myriad problems caused by chronic stress including: headache; chronic fatigue; sleeping problems; concentration problems; anxiety and phobia; panic disorder; and depression. If you find yourself experiencing the same stressors repeatedly, breathing exercises can help you respond in a more relaxed way. Proactive strategies that change your lifestyle to eliminate some of the stressors may also be a good idea. For example, changing conditions at your job to prevent work stress, or developing communication skills to combat relationship stress may be more effective than just using breathing exercises when you experience daily stress from these situations. Conversely, if you’re having trouble sleeping, the featured exercise may prove very helpful. Breathing Exercise 1. Close Your Eyes And Relax. Let your breathing get become slower and deeper. 2. Practice Stress Relief Breathing. Breathe from your diaphragm or belly instead of from your shoulders or chest. Don’t force it, but let your breathing become natural and relaxed. 3. Visualize. As you breathe in, imagine that ‘relaxation’ is coming into your body and flowing through your limbs, reaching every part of you. As you exhale, imagine that all the stress from your body is being exhaled. After a few minutes you should feel more full of peace, and the stress in your body should be reduced. 4. Or…As you breathe, imagine that your hands and feet are getting warmer. With practice, this can further reverse your stress and actually warm your extremities, relaxing your body in the process. 5. Another Idea. Imagine that with each breath your body is becoming more and more loose. With each exhalation, your limbs are a little more like spaghetti, your face a little more expressionless, your body a still pool of water. 6. Keep Breathing. Continue this exercise for 5 minutes or 20—whatever works for you. It can help you return to your activities with a renewed sense of strength and serenity. Last updated May 4, 2011 04:57 PM |
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