It’s OK, Just Breathe

At one time or another, anyone who has experienced a panic attack has had someone tell them to relax and breathe, those few words use to really irritate me until I understood just how important breathing is.

Pranayama Breathing Technique

During a panic attack, our breathing rate and pattern changes. Instead of breathing slowly from our lower lungs, we begin to breathe rapidly and shallowly from our upper lungs. By learning to breathe properly, you can stimulate the body's parasympathetic response which is the body's equally powerful and opposite system to the “flight or fight response” and is often called the “relaxation response”.

Alternate Nostril Breathing (pranayama)

In yoga, Pranayama breathing is thought to be a cure all which can open all of our energy channels and bring calm and balance to the mind.

Pranayama Breathing - How to do it

Sit in a relaxed, comfortable position, breathing naturally and easily. When you feel ready, press your right thumb against your right nostril and inhale deeply through your left nostril. At the end of your inhalation, close off the left nostril with the ring finger, then

exhale through the right nostril. Continue with this pattern, inhaling through the right nostril, closing it off with the right thumb, and exhaling through the left nostril. Practice for at least 3 minutes. When you finish, take some time to allow your breathing to return to normal, noticing the changes in your breathing and mind.

Pranayama Breathing – What are the benefits?

· oxygen consumption decreases

· breathing slows

· heart rate slows

· growing sense of ease in body, calmness in mind

· reduced anxiety and depression

· lower/stabilized blood pressure

· increased energy levels

· muscle relaxation

· decreased feelings of stress and overwhelm

To find out just how wonderful you can feel, try it for yourself !