“Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again.” (Thich Nhat Hanh)
Breathwork can be a game-changer. Stress is a clear example of the mind-body connection at work because we know too well the physical symptoms that can appear if we are ‘too stressed’ (think headaches, muscle tension, shortness of breath, palpitations, nausea, being irritable). So if emotional disturbance causes physical symptoms then of course physically changing our breathing can have a powerful effect on our emotional health.
Since breathing is something we can control and regulate, it is a useful tool for achieving a relaxed and clear state of mind which allows the mind work at full capacity.
Practicing a regular, mindful breathing exercise can be calming and energizing and can even help with stress-related health problems ranging from anxiety, panic attacks to digestive disorders.
There are many different breathing exercises but here is a simple one which you can do (and should do) everyday, anywhere, any time. 4-7-8 Breathing technique:
Just some of the benefits of breathing exercises:
1. Relieves stress and anxiety
2. Improves mood
3. Helps digestion
Try it and see!