Week 2
BREATH
Today’s Wednesday Wisdom is all about just coming back to the breath. In and out. When you take a deep breath in, this slightly quickens your heart rate. Then, as you exhale your heart rate will slow. If you take deep breaths repeatedly your heart rate will naturally come into sync with your breath. At this point, your brain releases endorphins which have a natural calming effect.
“Regulate the breathing, and thereby control the mind.”
– B.K.S. Iyengar
1.
Today, if you’re able to, we’d like you to take just one minute. Set a timer, close your eyes and repeat the following: inhale for 4, hold for 8, exhale for 4. Try to concentrate on the breath, and the movement of your body as you breathe in and out. If your mind wanders, notice this and bring yourself back to the breath.
We also love Calm’s ‘Bubble Breathing’ exercise if you would like to try that too!
1 minute+
2.
If you need a little more help, why not get stuck into a meditation app? Our own MAPPS Guide may help you find something that appeals to you.
As long as you want!
3.
If you would like more of a deep-dive into the science behind breathing and calm, have a look at this article.
15 minutes+