The Resilience Project 

Reducing Stress with Breathwork

How often do you notice your breathing?

Taking time each day to focus on our breathing gives our brains valuable time to slow down from the rush of the day, reducing our stresses as we go. It involves paying attention to your breath as it moves in and out of your body, without judgement or distraction.

During Resilience Project lessons, students explore different ways to help calm themselves when feeling overwhelmed or anxious. During sessions, students practice deep various breathing techniques.

For those of you who need some inspiration (like me!), try one of my favourites: Five finger breathing:

1. Simply hold up one hand and spread out your fingers.
2. With the index finger of the opposite hand slowly trace around the outside of your fingers beginning at the base of your thumb and moving upwards.
3. As you move your finger up, take a slow breath in.
4. As you move your finger down, slowly breathe out.
5. Repeat for a couple of minutes or until you feel calm.

The simplicity of this method is great as you can use it anywhere, whether it’s to start your morning at home, or in between breaks at work when you need a refresh. Five finger breathing can be practised for as little as a few minutes or as long as 20 minutes. It’s an easy yet powerful technique that can be used at any time to relax your mind or bring more focus to the present moment. It can also be a very useful meditation before bed, as it helps to put your mind at ease and fall asleep.

Have a wonderful weekend. 

Take care, 

Amy Carter 

(MHiPS)