Coherent Breathing enabled me to find balance and comfort within me
I have been meaning to share a new coherent breathing practice video for some time. Coherent breathing transformed my anxiety experience. For those that are members of our studio and come to my classes, you’ll know I share this breathing practice in every class!
So why is coherent breathing so effective at treating anxiety symptoms?
Anxiety can put us in a flight or fight response pretty much all the time. This is exhausting for us emotionally and physically. In the past, when I’ve experienced chronic anxiety symptoms, it has felt like there is never enough time to do everything. I was hyper-vigilant, my breath felt chesty, and I generally didn’t feel at home in me. We each will experience anxiety symptoms differently and for different reasons, but the sense of being out of balance tends to unite us.
Coherent breathing is a steady breath of six counts on the inhale and the exhale. You can do this to chimes or counting. This stable breathing pattern helps your autonomic nervous system to find balance by activating “flight or fight” (sympathetic nervous system) and “rest and digest” (parasympathetic nervous system) in a consistent and controlled way. When we breathe in this stable way our heart rate synchronises with our breath, which can bring on a state of inner calm. Your body can feel the benefits from a single practice within minutes, and if practised consistently over time, the feeling of being emotionally balanced can filter out of the practice and into your everyday life.
I see my coherent breathing practice as an essential part of my well-being toolkit for mindfully moving in our world. It helps me to better journey through and process difficult times, and to fully be in moments of joy.
Ready to try? This video practice is 12-minutes. Grab cushions, pillows and a blanket, practice from your bed, a chair or the floor. If you’re not a studio member and new to this, take your time. Only do what is available to you and feels good. I’d love to know how you get on.
