Belly Breathing for Calm and Sleep

Did you know that there is a way to breathe that calms you down, makes you feel good and strengthens your immune system?  Seems too good to be true, but it is!  It’s called “belly breathing” and it comes from the yoga tradition.  Imagine that your belly is a balloon.  Now, breathe in and out through your nose, let the belly relax and fill up like a balloon, then gently squeeze the belly in as you exhale.  This way of breathing helps to calm the nervous system and gives you a chance to focus and let go of stress.
 
You can use this breath to fall asleep as well.  Sleep is vital to health. Sometimes our minds become too “busy” and falling asleep can be difficult.  You can try some belly breathing the next time this happens, and the results may surprise you!  Studies show that when we get enough sleep we are better able to retain and understand what we learn. Some research indicates that a steady sleep schedule may be even more important than total sleep time for learning and cognition.
Both deep breathing and healthy sleep support your well-being and help you to have a better day, every day!

 
Nina Beucler Rebstock, CNC
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