How To Breathe With Your Diaphragm
In today's fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become prevalent issues affecting our overall well-being. As chiropractors, we understand the importance of addressing these concerns from a holistic standpoint.
One powerful tool that can significantly impact our physical and mental health is diaphragmatic breathing.
How do I incorporate diaphragmatic breathing into daily life?
Firstly, to reap the benefits of diaphragmatic breathing, it's important to practice regularly, especially in moments when we aren’t stressed / anxious. This will set the foundation for growth and also allow you to lean into this practice during challenging times.
Here are a few simple steps to get started:
1. Find a comfortable position: Sit or lie down in a relaxed position, ensuring that your body is well-supported.
2. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly.
3. Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, allowing your belly (bottom hand) to rise as you fill your lungs with air, without your chest (top hand) moving.
4. Exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your belly gently fall to your belly (bottom hand) as you release the breath.
5. Repeat this process for a few minutes, focusing on the sensation of your breath and allowing any tension to melt away.
REMEMBER: the diaphragm is a muscle, and just as your muscles take time to buff up at the gym, your diaphragm will require some persistence too.
So, be kind to yourself and your diaphragm.
If you need other cues to help activate your diaphragm please reach out via email or DM through Instagram.
Mads x