Breathe to Release Tension
August 22, 2012
Deep breathing is one of the best and easiest ways to enhance your relaxation and relieve tension. It’s helpful to set a time each day to do this exercise– “breath counting.” You can also do the exercise when you feel “stressed out” or feel a lot of inner tension. The purpose of the exercise is to induce the “relaxation response.” So let’s begin:
1. Sit or lie in a comfortable position with your arms and legs stretched out, as you sit with your spine straight.
2. Breathe deeply into your abdomen. Pause before you exhale.
3. As you exhale, count “one” to yourself. As you continue to inhale and exhale, count “Two…three…four…five on each exhalation.
4. Continue to count to sets of four or five as you exhale; do this for at least five minutes.
5. Notice your breathing gradually slowing, your entire body relaxing, and your mind becoming calm as you practice this meditation.
If you haven’t practiced breathing in this way, it may seem difficult at first, but as it becomes a part of your lifestyle it will be easier and even enjoyable. It will help you to cope with the tensions in everyday life.