Stressed?
Given my profession, I’m often asked what to do about stress. My #1 answer? Breathe! When you are feeling stressed about something you automatically tense up, breathing becomes shallow. My favourite breathing exercise is called the ‘3 Part Breath’ and for good reason... you breathe in 3 parts.
Sitting or laying comfortably place your left hand on your stomach and right hand on your chest. As you inhale your abdomen and then solar plexus and then chest rise. As you exhale they each fall in reverse. Chest, solar plexus, abdomen.
Another exercise is to make a tight fist as you inhale... exhale, release the fist
Here’s some yoga poses to try, while wearing comfortable clothes.
Child Pose: from your hands and knees, with your knees together, sit back on your heels. Bring your chest to your thighs and forehead to the mat. Your arms are along your sides, with palms up. Relax and breathe deeply through your nose.
Rag Doll Pose: while standing, take a step to the side to stand in a wide stance. Inhale your arms up, exhale hinging forward at the waist. Hang. Relax. You could grab the insides of each arm and rock back and forth. Be sure you head is hanging loosely. Breathe.
Here’s something to think about... think of what the lack would be that you are focusing on... lack of time? ... lack of money...? I believe that is what stress is all about – lack. Focus on your abundance instead! The abundance of love around you! The abundance of beauty around you!
Be blessed,
Kim
(c) 2010 www.kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.
Sitting or laying comfortably place your left hand on your stomach and right hand on your chest. As you inhale your abdomen and then solar plexus and then chest rise. As you exhale they each fall in reverse. Chest, solar plexus, abdomen.
Another exercise is to make a tight fist as you inhale... exhale, release the fist
Here’s some yoga poses to try, while wearing comfortable clothes.
Child Pose: from your hands and knees, with your knees together, sit back on your heels. Bring your chest to your thighs and forehead to the mat. Your arms are along your sides, with palms up. Relax and breathe deeply through your nose.
Rag Doll Pose: while standing, take a step to the side to stand in a wide stance. Inhale your arms up, exhale hinging forward at the waist. Hang. Relax. You could grab the insides of each arm and rock back and forth. Be sure you head is hanging loosely. Breathe.
Here’s something to think about... think of what the lack would be that you are focusing on... lack of time? ... lack of money...? I believe that is what stress is all about – lack. Focus on your abundance instead! The abundance of love around you! The abundance of beauty around you!
Be blessed,
Kim
(c) 2010 www.kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.
Yoga is essential for me when I feel stress.. whether it be a few stretches with breathing at moments of being overwhelmed or full morning routines to keep me centered during the day.
ReplyDeleteI always tell people who have depression to give yoga a chance. It saved me and I will do yoga for the rest of my life.
Good post Kim. Thank you.
Thanks Michelle! :-)
ReplyDelete