Simple Technique To Reduce Stress

"The foundation of prosperous health depends on the basic ability of getting oxygen to the cells, and deep breathing is the simplest, most fundamental method of accomplishing that." Robert Fulford, DO

Very few people regularly take deep breaths. Most of us are under a lot of stress and as a result take very shallow, fast breaths. An effective way to reduce stress and oxygenate is to take slow deep breaths throughout the day.

Every cell in our body needs a constant supply of fresh oxygen to stay alive and work efficiently. Oxygen is the most vital nutrient for our body. You will die within minutes without oxygen.

Deep breathing is the best way to oxygenate your body. Placing your attention on your breathing can bring you into the present moment and quiet your mind. This is a very effective meditation technique and stress reduction technique. When you are focusing on your breathing, it is very difficult to focus on anything else. A few minutes of deep breathing and your body and mind will feel relaxed, rejuvenated and clear.

Exercise is a great opportunity to oxygenate your body. As you increase your heart rate through cardiovascular activity, you will naturally start to take deeper, fuller breaths. Yoga, qigong and tai chi are examples of activities that incorporate physical movement with focused deep breathing.
"Practicing regular, mindful breathing can be calming and energizing and can even help with stress-related health problems ranging from panic attacks to digestive disorders." Andrew Weil, M.D.
Here are a couple deep breathing exercises that Dr. Andrew Weil recommends:
The Stimulating Breath (also called the Bellows Breath)
The Stimulating Breath is adapted from a yogic breathing technique. The purpose of this breath is to raise vital energy and increase alertness.
Inhale and exhale rapidly through your nose, keeping your mouth closed but relaxed. Your breaths in and out should be equal in duration, but as short as possible. This is a noisy breathing exercise.
for three in-and-out breath cycles per second. This produces a quick movement of the diaphragm, suggesting a bellows. Breathe normally after each cycle.
Do not do for more than 15 seconds on your first try. Each time you practice the Stimulating Breath, you can increase your time by five seconds or so, until you reach a full minute.
You should feel the effort at the back of the neck, the diaphragm, the chest and the abdomen. Use this breathing exercise anytime you need a boost of energy.
The 4-7-8 (or Relaxing Breath) Exercise
This exercise is very simple. Although you can do the exercise in any position, sit with your back straight while learning the exercise. You may feel a little lightheaded when you first practice this technique. With practice that will pass. Your body is not used to taking in large amounts of oxygen at one time.
Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise. You will be exhaling through your mouth around your tongue; try pursing your lips slightly if this seems awkward.

1. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
2. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
3. Hold your breath for a count of seven.
4. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.
This is one breath. Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.
This is a great breathing technique to reduce stress. It is very relaxing and enjoyable. With practice, it will get easier and is a way you can treat yourself a few times a day.
Deep breathing is essential for total mind, body and spirit wellness. Like any healthy habit, it takes practice. In order to start making deep breathing a part of your everyday habits, commit to doing at least 2 deep breathing sessions daily. Once you start to experience the benefits of deep breathing, it will be easy to keep this habit.