Ms. Pospichal

Deep Breathing

Use of breath work is a great way to calm things down!

Deep breathing works so well because it actually shifts your brain from the sympathetic state (fight-or-flight) to the parasympathetic state (rest & digest).

Deep breathing can be done in LOTS of different ways. Below are several of my favorites...

Deep Breathing Using Your Hand

aka "5 finger breathing"

For this breathing technique, hold up one of your hands and spread your fingers out like a star. Starting at the base of your thumb, use the pointer finger from your other hand to trace up to the top of your thumb on the inhale, and slowly down your thumb for the exhale. Inhale as you trace up your pointer finger, exhale as you trace down. Continue with all your fingers until you get to the bottom of your pinky finger. Then trace along your wrist back to your thumb and start again. Go as slowly as you like, this isn't a race! Feel free to do this as many times as you need to.

Click on the video below to watch an example: