The Benefits of Mindful Breathing

Mindful breathing is a conscious exercise; one in which we purposefully carve out some time (even 5 minutes) to pay attention to our breathing. The basics include:

• Pick a quiet location, free of distraction.

• Close your eyes and turn your attention inward to your breathing.

• Slow your breaths; inhale through the nose, expanding your belly. Exhale slowly.

• If your attention shifts from breathing, that is okay. Gently encourage it back to the simple act of breathing - in and out.

The benefits of mindful breathing include:

• It inhibits anxiety, decreasing stress and worry.

• It distracts us from the things we can't control and reminds us that we are capable of facing challenges.

• It helps to still ruminating thoughts.

• It slows the heart rate, decreasing pain and the body's stress response.

• It helps us to recognize calm.

• It helps us to feel more centered and increases our self-control.

• It inhibits anger; allowing our rational brain some space.

• It helps the brain to focus.

When we practice mindful breathing on a daily basis - this can become a lovely anchor activity - we are proactively working with our comfort system to feel grounded and secure. In order to get started, it may help to listen to a guided mindful breathing exercise (there are countless examples on Youtube!) Photo by abhijeet gourav on Unsplash