Become aware of your breath. Stand or sit comfortably in a quiet place. Begin breathing normally and notice if you breathe through your mouth? Are your breaths shallow? Do you slouch?

 

Learn chest breathing. Your lungs are not in your stomach! Place a hand on each side, over your rib cage. Breathe in through your nose and out through a relaxed mouth and feel your ribs expand. Breathe slowly and deeply. If you become lightheaded, take a break and resume breathing normally.

 

Visualize your breath. Picture the air moving in and out. Your chest expanding and contracting. Cool soothing air coming in and warm, tension filled air going out.

To Learn More:

 

Breathing: The Master Key to Self Healing, by Andrew Weil, M.D. (Sounds True, 1999)

 

The Breathing Book: Good Health and Vitality Through Essential Breath Work by Donna Farhi (Henry Holt, 1996)

 

Back