08 Feb Take a deep breath

What happens when something stressful occurs?

You breathe in.

And all energy accumulates in your chest and head.
Often you even hold your breath.
And then you start breathing quicker and more superficially.

With stressful breathing like that, the oxygen exchange will not be optimal. Consequently, you may feel tired and over time may develop a headache.

When you look at martial arts like Aikido, your point of gravity is in your belly. You stand firmly on both legs and your breathing starts in your abdomen. Your breathing slows down and your oxygen exchange improves.

By simply breathing in a different way, you actually feel different.

Imagine the following situation, which happened to me last week: you attended a great meeting, on a renovated country farm. Afterwards, you walk to your car, which is parked in the meadow. Unfortunately, it has become very muddy and your car is completely stuck. You totally stress out because you know almost everyone has left. You walk back hot headed and with a lump in your throat to ask for help. Two gentlemen, wearing suits, are still there and they offer to help you. You are extremely worried that you will splatter them with mud when they push your car out. After a lot of fuss, your car is free and you can go home. You are completely hyper and that great meeting seems ages ago already. Phew.

Breathe in – breathe out.

And now think of something completely different: a sunny day at the beach. With bare feet you walk in the sand. You hear the sea rushing and the waves break. You enjoy feeling the sun on your skin, a comfortable warmth. You smell the salty air. And you watch the waves, come and go. In a calm and steady rhythm, time and time again.

By breathing in another way, you feel different. Right?

Talking about stress; some people start eating when they’re stressed.
What actually happens when you eat? Your breathing changes to a belly breathing.

Interesting.

And it gets even more interesting.
Some people smoke when they are stressed: a deep breath in … and a slow breath out.

If, when being in a stressful situation, we’d first focus on our breathing, we might need less potato chips and cigarettes.

To wrap up, a few breathing tips:

• Stand or sit relaxed and place both feet flat on the ground.
• Place your hands on your belly and breathe in, all the way down towards your hands: make sure your hands follow the movement of your inspiration and expiration.
• Relax your shoulders.
• Relax your jaw and relax your tongue. Your lips will part slightly and your mouth will open just a bit.
• Think of the ultimate place where you can relax.
• Breathe in via your nose, breathe out via your mouth.
• For the more advanced: make your expiration longer than your inspiration. For example, 4 counts in and 6 counts out.

Leave a reply below and let me know what you do to calm down after a stressful situation.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Much health,
Maaike

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