Do you know what this means to ‘take a deep breath’?

Say you’re in a stressful moment for example – and you are reminded to “just take a deep breath” – it may not be supportive if you don’t actually know how to take that breath properly! We could end up taking a quick, over-efforted, and short breath into the chest – which will keep the nervous system and body in the heightened state known as ‘fight, flight or freeze’. It’s like keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal when you’re trying to slow down the car!

We need to know & feel how to breathe in a way that puts the brakes on and de-accelerates all of what has been activated in the body – helping to bring us back into balance and a regulated state. Directing each inhalation into the bottom part of the lungs first is key- as that’s where the receptors of the ‘rest & digest’ part of the nervous system reside -which is what we need for the slowing down to occur.

Here I share how to start practicing this technique! It can be used in everyday life because it requires no special sound or position to achieve a grounded and relaxed state of awareness.

It is also the foundational breath in yoga and our starting point for the journey with other breath practices.

If you want to know, learn and experience the benefits of a whole array of breathwork techniques to support your health and wellbeing – come join me online or in the studio for ‘AWAKENING THE BREATH’’ this September at @heatheryogauk

This 6 week course will also provide a progression with your Yoga practice ((though you’d only need to be practicing yoga to attend the programme!)

EARLY BIRD enrollment is open until 31st July! Info here.

Heather x