Your breath is the fastest way to tell your nervous system that you are safe.
Today,
I'm teaching you all about belly breath or diaphragmatic breath to instantly bring yourself back to calm and relaxation in just a few breaths.
So when it comes to the breath,
We're not aware of it.
It's an automatic system.
We are breathing every single day.
But if you take a moment to observe and feel your breath,
You may notice that you are not using your lungs to the fullest capacity.
So just take a moment here to pause.
Maybe close your eyes and just take inventory.
So notice where you feel the breath moving in the body.
Notice if your breaths are short and shallow.
Or maybe they're long and deep.
Don't try to change anything.
Just observe and notice.
And once you have that initial inventory,
You may notice that your breath is feeling very short and shallow.
So you may be breathing more in the chest or feel it more in the shoulders.
Now,
When we use our lungs to the fullest capacity,
You'll start to feel it in your belly.
So you'll feel your belly expand and move out and then relax and pull in.
This is called diaphragmatic breathing.
So we have our diaphragm in our body,
Which is this muscular layer that sits underneath our lungs.
Now,
When we breathe in and our lungs expand to the fullest capacity,
That diaphragm moves down.
And when we exhale,
That diaphragm moves up.
So as the diaphragm moves down,
You are having to create more space.
And so your belly will start to move out.
And as you release,
Belly draws in,
Diaphragm moves up.
So if you're breathing to the fullest capacity,
Maybe put your hands on your belly,
Close your eyes,
And now breathe into your hands.
Feel your belly move out.
And as you exhale,
Draw your belly in.
So you're releasing tension,
Any tightness.
And then allowing your lungs to fill completely.
And just take a few more breaths to notice.
And when you're ready,
Gently open your eyes.
And now you have learned the practice of diaphragmatic breathing.
So whenever you feel tense or tight and you're wanting to suck in or clench your tummy,
Just soften,
Relax.
Tell your body and your nervous system that you're safe and you're okay and find instant calm and relaxation.
