The freer and deeper the breath, the more relaxed we are.
The beauty of breathing to restore your calm is that it can be practiced anywhere - at work, in your car, or in a situation of confrontation.
When you are aware of tension creeping up, take long, deep rhythmic breaths. You will immediately feel the effects, be calmer and be able to deal with a stressful situation more objectively, preventing more tension.
You will also feel more energetic because you're taking in more oxygen and you'll be able to concentrate better.
Steps to Breathing Relaxation
* Turn of the phone and make sure not to be disturbed for 15-20 minutes.
* Remove glasses or contact lenses, release any binding clothes and remove your shoes.
* Sit in a comfortable chair, back supported with your feet flat on the floor OR lie down with a small pillow under your knees and your legs a comfortable distance apart.
* Close your eyes.
* Breath in slowly through the nostrils - imagine that your abdomen is like a balloon; every time you inhale, the balloon inflates gently.
* Keep your concentration focused on your breath - if your concentration wanders, simply bring the focus back.
* Feel the flow of your breath and allow an easy rhythm to establish. Inhale and exhale to the count of 3 or 4, whichever is more comfortable.
* Visualize your tensions dissolving as you inhale, and your tensions releasing as you exhale.
* Each time you exhale, feel your muscles softening and letting go. Allow the breath to draw the tensions from your body.
* Repeat once, preferably twice a day.
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