Breathe to relax

[SUSAN FOX]

Thought I'd suggest something to release stress. Read and practice at your own risk.

When you experience stress, you may be so used to it you're unaware of it.  Stress often shows up in your shoulders.  They feel tight, tense, withdrawn.  You're neck might feel that way, too.  And a simple way to release the stress you may inadvertently be holding is to breathe and relax.

So, let's get started with this simple exercise.  Repeat as many times as you desire:

Imagine that you feel stress in your neck.  Focus on that tense feeling in your neck for a moment.  And, whatever you do, DO NOT relax your neck.

DO NOT forget about any idea contributing to that tense neck by simply breathing in through your nose in a steady, calm, pleasant way and exhaling delightfully through your mouth in a quiet, gentle release. 

Think about anything else.  Think about cute little puppies wearing yellow, shiny, water repellent raincoats...with beads of water gently dancing on them. 

Think about the ocean with a purple sparkly boat floating on the horizon far, far away, bobbing gently on the calm water.

Think about a handful of loose rubberbands lazily and freely piled high in the palm of your hand as you gently breathe in through your nose and letting it go free through your mouth in a comfortable release.

But whatever you do, DO NOT forget about any idea that causes you to feel tense simply breathing in through your nose in a steady, calm, pleasant way and exhaling through your mouth in a relaxed happy time.

Repeat, wash and rinse...

[Diane Wise]

I attended a laughing yoga class and found it to be very helpful.  The premise was to identify the various types of laughter and the benefits to our various body parts.  With different types of laughter from snickering to robust rip roaring laughter we self-induced effects on our mouth, larynx, chest and abdomen.   We didnt laugh at anything in particular but forced ourselves to think of instances that resulted in different types of laughter.  When we purposefully thought about those body parts affected it was inspiring in that it didnt require anything other than ourselves.  Moreover, expelling the air is very important.  Fully letting the air out of my lungs induces a momentary high or heightened sense of well being.  I highly recommend this and think that there is a youtube video on this if interested.  Afterall, I firmly believe that laughter is the best medicine; no cost, endorphin producing and anyone can do it regardless of physical limitations; sitting or standing: ENJOY!

[SUSAN FOX]

Hi Diane,

I agree with your remarks.  Thanks for your comments.

There is so much we can do simply by calmly inhaling and exhaling.  One of the most important things we do is balance our brain chemistry by reducing excessive cortisol levels.  Too much cortisol (the stress hormone) can cause all kinds of internal damage.  So, by doing what comes natural (calm breathing) we can help think clearly and promote wellness.

I encourage anyone who wants to think more clearly, to increase focus and concentration ability and to do something good for the body to breathe!

Susan

[Cheryl Green]

Thank you for the instructions!

Sometimes I try to do some relaxation or imagery on my own but can't stay focused on it. I can sit here and read your instructions. Yay!

[SUSAN FOX]

You're welcome.  I understand that focusing is a real issue for some TBI sufferers.  Glad you can use the written instructions.

Be well.

Susan

Cheryl Green said:

Thank you for the instructions!

Sometimes I try to do some relaxation or imagery on my own but can't stay focused on it. I can sit here and read your instructions. Yay!