When You Are Tired: Start With The Breath

This gentle practice is designed for days when energy is very low, and movement feels like too much. It works with a soft, unforced breath and a naturally lengthening exhale to support settling without effort or strain. There is no pushing, counting, or control.

Suitable for fatigue, burnout, or moments when you need a calm place to begin.

Transcript

Hello and welcome.

If you're listening to this you're probably tired,

Maybe fatigued,

Foggy or just worn thin by life.

This first practice is simple,

Short and deliberately gentle.

It's designed so you can do it even on the days when you cannot manage much at all.

So when you feel ready,

Find a position that feels kind.

Lying down is perfect,

Sitting is also fine.

Support yourself with cushions or blankets if you need them.

Make your body as comfortable as it can be today.

Allow your attention to settle on the natural movement of your breath.

You don't need to change anything yet,

Just notice that you're breathing and that this is enough for now.

When you feel ready,

Begin to soften the exhale.

You're not forcing it,

You're simply allowing it to lengthen by a second or two.

A slow easing out of the breath.

Each time you're inhaling gently,

Exhaling a little longer if it's comfortable.

The breath is steady,

Unhurried,

Quiet.

If this feels helpful,

Stay with it.

If it feels too much,

Simply return to your natural breath.

This practice is here to support you,

Not to push you.

Let your body soften around the breath.

Notice if your shoulders release a little.

Notice if your belly softens,

Even slightly.

Notice any sense of settling.

Take two more slow breaths.

Inhaling softly,

Exhaling gently,

Maybe a little longer.

Whenever you feel ready,

Let the breath return to its natural rhythm.

Remind yourself that this was enough.

A few slow breaths can steady the system more than long practices ever could.

Come back to this any time you need a quiet reset.

Thank you for practicing with me.