We live in a day and age where constant activity, rapid technological advancements, and an increased demand for productivity move life at, what feels like, an ever increasing speed. And along the way, it’s easy to lose the art of slowing down.
That’s why this summer, we’re being intentional in our program choices and activity offerings to encourage Body Movers to curate (as much as depends on them) a Stress-Free Summer.
We have a special calendar printable for you to download. Don’t be surprised when you find it is empty because what it fills up with will depend on you!
Throughout the summer, we will be posting and offering different activities and events designed to give us a few moments (or even more!) of calm and restoration. If those resonate with you, you can pencil them onto your calendar.
Some upcoming events are:
- Breathwork Workshop with Barb Sorenson
- Sound Healing Event
- Labyrinth Walk
But for today, right now, take five minutes to do a breathing exercise with me. It’s called cycle sighing and is a controlled breathing exercise that emphasizes long exhalations.
- Take a deep breath in through your nose. A long, deep breath.
- When you’ve filled your lungs, pause, then take another sip of air to expand them even further.
- Very s-l-o-w-l-y, exhale in a controlled breath until the air is gone. If it helps, count in your head to keep your breath steady. Use your diaphragm muscles to push until all the air is gone.
- Take another deep breath and repeat this exercise.
After just one or two breaths, you may already feel calmer or softer, but to get the full effect, repeat this cyclic sighing for five minutes.
If you’re reading this, you’re on a device. Find a timer on that device (hint: you can actually “google” a five minute timer!), and do this breathing exercise for five minutes.
Really, go do it.
I’ll wait…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
So what just happened? Exhaling activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps regulate your rest and digest functions. Slow breathing slows your heart rate and has an overall soothing effect on your body.
“To control your life, control your mind. To control your mind, control your breath” (Stephen Richards).
Remember our summer calendar? Once you’ve printed yours, can you find a day (or maybe more) that you will re-visit this exercise? Or perhaps you have another breathing exercise you prefer but often forget to practice. Mark a few days (along with specific times) you will commit to doing breath work.
Just printing this sheet and sticking it on your refrigerator may be enough to remind you tomorrow morning of your intention!
Then find us tomorrow, either here or on social media to find more ways to have a stress-free summer this year!
Enjoying deep breaths with you, friend!
Questions? Email 📩fitnessatbodymoves@gmail.comor call 📞 319-337-4777.
Find us on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM.