Remember to Exhale

Hi, there. Alicia here. Have you ever noticed that in the midst of stressful situations, you sometimes unknowingly hold your breath? I know I do. Dealing with stress involves a fight or flight response. Ideally, when the source of stress has dissipated, our bodies can find equilibrium again. But sometimes, in our busy days of Zoom calls, taking care of family, social commitments and relationships, we continue to brace ourselves for something stressful, which can often manifest as tension or worry. Breath work has been shown to reduce our body's stress levels, protecting us from developing further health symptoms. So today, let us explore deep abdominal breathing, reminding our bodies to exhale, helping us find a state of calm and relaxation. When we are in a state of calm, we are more capable of facing our daily tasks with a clear mind. So let's play around with finding that sweet spot here today, whatever that may mean for you. Go ahead and find yourself a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down. Take note of your shoulders and neck here. If it feels good to you, gently roll your shoulders up, back, and down a few times as you breathe in and out at your own pace. When you're ready, come to stillness once again. Place a hand on your belly if you can. And if you would like to, close your eyes. On an inhale, feel your belly gently move against your hand, and on the exhale, feel your hand lower as your belly releases. Inhale, feel the belly expand, and exhale, feel the belly lower. Continue to breathe like this for a bit at your own pace. If you notice your mind drifting, that's okay. Gently guide yourself back to the breath by focusing on the inhale and exhale, letting the feeling of your belly moving anchor you. I'll give you some time. If your mind has wandered a little here, bring it back in your own time and keep breathing. You're doing beautifully. When you are ready, you can let go of the belly breath and return to regular breathing. Notice if anything has shifted in your body or mind since beginning this practice. Keep breathing naturally, letting your hands lower from their position and relax beside you. Take a few more moments just to be in your breath, to savor this moment of calm and safety. Let's close with an affirmation. Repeat after me either out loud or in your head. "My breath is always here to anchor me in the present." "My breath is always here to anchor me in the present." When you are ready, gently open your eyes and let the space around you come back into focus. Thank yourself for making time to breathe intentionally today, letting your body find some ease with the exhale. Please know that you can come back to this practice anytime. Your breath is always here for you. Wherever you go, whatever you do, breath is your...