Good Afternoon  - Lynn here.

 

Popping in to say hi to share an energy tip for your week ahead.

 

Last week I talked about the perks of staying away from drama. 

 

Easier said than done, right? 

 

Life is unpredictable and drama has a way of sneaking up on us, especially when the Full Moon in Scorpio comes knocking on our door (Cinco de Mayo).

 

Since life is full of surprises, it's handy to have a practical tool to keep our cool and carry on.

 

 

Last week, I experienced more anxiety than usual, so I returned to my breathwork practice. It's the most efficient method I've found to quickly restore balance in my body.

 

If you've followed me for a while, you know how much I love tapping to calm my nervous system. However, I can't tap while playing tennis or engaging in a conversation.

 

Breathing works in any situation.

 

 

You may notice it becomes fast and shallow. You may even hold your breath without realizing it.

 

When you breathe irregularly, your heart rate jumps into high gear and sends out an SOS signal to your body to start producing stress chemicals.

 

This is our innate mind-body feedback loop that quickly alerts you to potential danger. 

 

It's like having a personal bodyguard that kicks in when you need it.  It's handy when you have a real emergency and a reason to fight or flee, but not when the only threat is your daunting to-do list.

 

When the mind is at peace, the body functions like a well-oiled machine. Physiologists call this state homeostasis, which signifies harmony and balance within your body. 

 

Homeostasis is crucial to achieve optimal wellness. 

 

 

Have you ever noticed how you breathe?

 

Does your belly expand on the in-breath and relax on the out-breath?

 

Or do you breathe into your chest only?

 

Many adults struggle to breathe deeply into their belly. Instead, their chest rises and falls while their abdomen remains rigid. This prevents the lungs from fully inflating, leading to reduced oxygen intake, and causing fatigue. As a result, breathing becomes faster to compensate. 

 

Belly breathing, or diaphragmatic breathing, offers several advantages over chest breathing as it enhances oxygenation.

 

The tens of billions of molecules we inhale with every breath play a significant role in our bodies.  They impact almost every internal organ, directing them when to activate and deactivate.

 

James Nestor, the author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, states that “no matter what you eat, how much you exercise, the resilience of your genes, or how slim, young, or wise you are—none of it matters if you're not breathing correctly.”

 

Transitioning from chest breathing to relaxed belly breathing is simple. However, if your body has been sending distress signals for a long time, mastering the art of proper breathing could require some practice.

 

One of my new favorite breathwork practices comes from Wim Hof, a Dutch athlete, and extreme sports enthusiast. He developed a breathing technique and cold exposure method known as the Wim Hof Method.

 

Wim Hof believes that many people are falling ill, losing sleep, and wasting away due to their current lifestyle. His method helps maintain the natural state of your body and mind.

 

To practice his breathing method, find a quiet location and lie flat on your back with a pillow supporting your head.

 

Relax your shoulders, chest, and legs.

 

Inhale deeply into the pit of your stomach and exhale quickly.

 

Continue this pattern for multiple cycles.

 

I find it helpful to follow Wim Hof's guided breathing for beginners (YouTube) as he gently introduces newcomers to the practice. 

 

Once you practice it a few times, I guarantee you will feel amazing.

 

Click the link below to try it!

 

….. until next time many many sweet blessings.

 

Love + Wellness to you!!

 

XO

Lynn

 

p.s. if  you want to geek out on more facts, check out the Wim Hoff study performed on Regis and Kelly ABC TV Show. 

 

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