Low And Slow Breath

When we’re stressed, breath often gets quick and high in the chest. This quick practice invites something gentler: one easy breath in, low into the belly, and a slow, trickling breath out that runs a little longer than the inhale. There are no counts to keep and no ratio to get right. Just breathe in low and slow, and let the exhale take its time. If it feels good, you can let the exhale be audible, like a soft sigh.
Part of a series of quick nervous system resets.

Transcript

We'll start directing the inhale low into the abdomen. If you'd like, You can place a hand over the belly button to help cue the body to breathe low into the diaphragm. And then on the exhale, Purse your lips like you're drinking through a straw to let the breath out slowly. Pursed lips keeps the air from escaping all at once. Ideally, We want the exhale longer than the inhale in this practice. However, We won't follow a strict or regimented inhale or exhale count. Just do what feels comfortable. So let's try this together, Breathing in low. And when the lungs are comfortably full, Start to exhale slowly. If you'd like a visual for the practice, You can imagine letting the air out of a balloon slowly. We'll just try this a few more times. You don't have to follow the pace of my breath, But the general structure again is to inhale deep into the belly, And exhale slowly, Making a noise if that feels right to you. Try this a few more times, Breathing in. And exhaling. Once more.