I’m a huge believer in using breathing every day for calm, focus and to manage stress - it can also be really useful for an energy boost and to ease headaches.
There’s two ways to use your breathing - in reaction to stress, panic or pain and as part of your day for your general wellbeing, to let go or even prevent tension.
I have a really straight-forward, simple and practical approach to using your breathing. Here’s what I find works well…
slow down your breathing
relax your muscles - in your forehead, jaw, shoulders, hands, pelvic floor, legs and feet
focus on your breathing for a minute or two in the morning, during the day and in the evening
it is simple and flexible so you can use it wherever you are
in the morning - in bed, on the loo, in the shower, making a brew, before you go into work
during the day - at lunch, in the loo, at your desk, on a walk
in the evening - after work, as you cook, in the bath, before bed
fit it in wherever and find what works for you - the more often you use it, the more familiar and easier to use it will be
Using your breathing matters because…
by slowing your breathing and relaxing your body, you are carrying less tension which eases stress – being less stressed can help to boost your mood, your digestion, your sleep and your ability to focus.
knowing how to use your breathing gives you a positive strategy to use when you need it as well as throughout the day to refocus and then to relax at the end of the day.
if you are pregnant, you can use your breathing to help with aches and pains, for nausea, for energy, for sleep, for any anxiety or stress and as part of your birth preparation.
you can use your breathing to work with contractions, to deal with any back pain, to boost your energy, to help you rest and to help you to stay calm.
when your baby is here you can use your breathing as you heal, with feeding and to help your baby to settle.
it’s about looking after you.
Breathing to start your day
Breathing During Your Day
Breathing at the end of your day
Let me know how you get on and whether you have any questions. For regular prompts, you can also download the Substack app.