Take a Breath: Relaxation Techniques for Troubled Times

October 03, 2021

Seriously. Stop and take a breath. Don’t judge your technique; breathe in and out. Failure to do both in and out will likely result in you fainting, and the ERs and urgent care centers have enough to do without you coming in with a cut forehead requiring stitches.

Take 5: A Relaxation Exercise

Hold your left-hand palm facing up with your fingers slightly spread apart. Place the tip of the index finger of your other hand at the base of the left palm in the slot between the fat pads of the thumb and little finger.

To begin this short exercise, exhale; then, as you inhale, let your index finger trace the length of your thumb. When you reach the tip of your thumb, retrace the size of your thumb as you exhale until you return to your starting point. Repeat this exercise for each finger.

If you choose to, you can reverse hand positions and repeat the exercise with your left index finger tracing the fingers of your right hand.

This exercise is short but powerful to calm down the fight/flight nerves and bring back physical and mental balance.

Breathwork

There are hundreds of breathing techniques to explore and thousands of books written on the subject, going into great detail about what happens when you focus on your breath. I believe it is essential and should remain toured by anyone who wants to improve their health and wellness. That depth is well beyond the intent of this blog. However, here are some breathing patterns to try.

Box breathing: Inhale for a 4-count, hold for a 4-count, exhale for a 4-count, hold for a 4-count, repeat. The military uses this technique to calm soldiers before shooting drills and live-action.
4 In, 6 Out: No holds, just simple in/out with a slightly longer exhale.
4 In, 6 Hold, and 7 Exhale: This is the beginning of longer holds and exhales.
Focus breathing: Watch and follow the breath as it moves in and out. Not at all judgment; follow. That is the foundation of basic meditation practices.

Finding Balance

These are very stressful times for everyone. It’s like the world is standing thigh-deep in the snow in the direct path of a sudden, fast-moving avalanche. With no reference point, we don’t know if we are at the beginning, middle, or end. Use these techniques to find your own “life jacket,” complement the exercise ideas and nutritional information that NIFS provides. I hope it helps you find your breath, tone down the negative energy, broaden your perspective for your own mental and physical health and perhaps help others as we go through together.

Your inner peace is your Power. Therefore,

Peace and Power,
Rick