Instant Chill Pill
I have been coming back to my breath more times than not lately. As soon as I become aware that I feel consumed by emotion, rocked by something unexpected, taking a defined breath is my first step. When we become aware of our breath it becomes a tool to slow us down, and bring us out of “fight or flight” mode.
If you have the time and space, this breath work is great seated with a long spine, allowing prana to easily flow and our body to settle. Or, if you’re busy at work, say working an intense night shift at the hospital, you can also do this standing. Start by closing your eyes, and getting grounded by feeling all sides of each foot planted firmly on the floor, bonus points if you can ground through your hands by holding on to a table.
When you’re ready, maybe closing your eyes, take one intentional breathe, naming it “inhale 1, exhale 1” in your mind. Often I feel an instant shift through just that first breath, which motivates me to increase it to 3 or 5. That minute alone restores me back to a more grounded and free self.
Calming your body automatically allows me you to calm your mind, which slows down everything else around you, shedding that sense of urgency and autopilot reaction to life.
You can also do this breathing technique laying down before bed, or as soon as you wake up. If you’re horizontal, I suggest placing your hands on your belly and focusing on the gentle round expansion and contraction, letting the natural movement soothe you even more :).
I hope you find this chill pill helpful! Adapt it as your own, to better incorporate this tool into your every day, and please let me know if you can feel the difference just that first breathe makes.
Instant Chill Pill:
Settle into your breath and body by taking 5 normal breaths, naming your inhales and exhales “inhale 1, exhale 1, inhale 2, exhale 2” etc.
Gently slow and lengthen your breaths by inhaling and exhaling for a count of 5, for 5 breaths.
Continue this 5 for 5 breathing, lengthening your breath to soothe yourself by pausing at the top of each inhale, and after each exhale.
Finally, let go of any intention to shape your breath, and just let your body breath itself Come back to real life by blinking your eyes open, and carrying this chill throughout the rest of your day.
xoxo my angels