Take a Deep Breath

If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.

-Amit Ray

During this stressful time have you found yourself,

Holding your breath?
Breathing into your neck and shoulders?
Taking shallow sips of air and then needing to take in a big sigh of air?

Eastern Asian medicine holds the perspective that emotions are related to visceral organs. The emotions of anxiety and sadness are most closely linked to the lungs. It is no wonder that with all the craziness of the world surrounding COVID-19 that our breathing has become troubled.

Check out some resources for tips on breathing and stress reduction.

Try Headspace

Headspace has partnered with NY State to provide a FREE online guide to stress relief. Tips for mindfulness, relaxing sleep sounds and even meditations for kids.

http:/https://www.headspace.com/ny

The simplest breathing strategy that many of you have heard me talk about in the office is belly breathing.

Start by placing one hand on the chest and the other on your belly. (You can do this seated, but also very calming while you are lying on your back.) On the inhale, feel the hand on your belly rise, and on the exhale feel it fall. Use the feedback from your hands to cue your body to send breath to your belly instead of your upper body and chest.  
Try these other breathing techniques
Or these!