4 Simple breathing techniques to improve your Meditation
Breathing is something we do every second of every day. It is what keeps us alive and running. Furthermore, oxygen has the power to refresh your mind and revitalize your whole being. If it plays such a great role in our lives, why doesn’t it get more attention from us? By implementing breathing techniques you will be able to elevate everything - from your health and wellbeing to profound spiritual grounding and inner peace. Even a few deep breaths will calm your being and open it for growth.
You might have noticed that not all of us breathe in an equal manner, some have more of a chest intake of breath, and others from the lower abdomen. In order to gain all the benefits from breathing, you need to learn the proper breathing techniques and later you will be able to include them in meditation to maximize its effect. Here are 4 simple breathing tips to help you:
1. The Basic Yoga Breathing
You are probably aware of this breathing technique if you are doing yoga or have done it at some point in your life. However repeating the essentials but also teaching those who haven’t practised this art, will strengthen the subconscious reception of this technique:
Sit in a comfortable position and take a slow and deep inhale.
Pause for a moment
Exhale slowly
Pause again
Repeat the process
2. Stress Relief Breathing
Not only this will relieve you of any stress and calm the body and mind, but it will also help you regain your focus, keeping you grounded. It is an amazing introduction to meditation because it soothes your whole being.
Inhale slowly through the nose and count to 4
Exhale slowly through the nose and count to 4
Repeat and soothe your body & mind
3. Breathe from your Abdomen
This is by most considered to be one of the most effective and easiest breathing techniques, thus suitable for beginners that are just starting with meditation. Not only it is suitable for a meditative state, but it also increases mindfulness and relaxes you. It is a powerful tool to ward off any stress influences during your day, helping you cope with responding to anxiety. This is also something you can implement daily and only requires several minutes of your day.
Place one hand on your stomach
Place the other on your chest
Take a deep breath from the diaphragm through your nose
Feel the hand on the stomach move
Slowly exhale
Repeat
4. Counting Breathing Technique
It is also one of the easiest ways you can include your breathing into your meditation practice. The 4-7-8 counting is so effective that you will feel your nervous system soothed immediately with a strong wave of calmness. This is one of the breathing tips we strongly recommend because of its power to tranquilize, cure insomnia and keep anxiety at bay. Here’s how to do it:
Place the top of your tongue at the top back of your teeth
Then release your exhale with a louder whooshing sound
Now close your mouth and slowly inhale through your nose
Count to 4 as you inhale
Then hold your breath while counting to 7
Now exhale completely to the count of 8 and let out the whooshing sound
Repeat the process
By giving a try to any of these breathing techniques, you will be giving yourself a healing therapy that honestly doesn’t cost you anything - not even time. Include these breathing tips into your meditation practice and you will immediately feel the powerful influence it has on your spirit and body.
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