Chaplain Chat

Breathing is something we all do each and every day. Most of the time we don't even have to think about it. When we are anxious, our breathing speeds up. When we are calm, it slows down.

Thinking about breathing and purposefully changing the way we breathe can be an important tool that helps us cope with stress and emotions. Next to that, it can improve our energy. 

In this chaplain's corner, I want to give you a few breathwork suggestions to try for yourself and your family members.

Box breathing: breathe in for four seconds, hold for four seconds,  breathe out for four seconds, hold for four seconds.

Box breathing is easy, as the counts are all the same. It is an effective technique for releasing stress and increasing energy.

Cooling breath: stick out your tongue and curl it up so that it looks like the picture below, suck in air through your tongue as if you are sucking through a straw. When your lungs are full, slowly breathe out through your mouth with your lips almost closed.

Not everyone can roll their tongue, so if this exercise is difficult for you, you can make a small circle with your lips instead. This cooling breath helps in moments of anxiety. It is also helpful after exercise as it not only cools down the mind, but also the body. 

You can do these breathing exercises while sitting, lying down or walking. Repeat them for as long as comfortable, trying to aim for about ten times to start with. 

If you find it difficult to focus on breathing by itself, you may want to consider pairing deep breathing with movement, for example while walking or stretching.

Good luck, and remember to keep breathing!

Ms. Romijn