When we are stressed, anxious or overwhelmed there’s one thing you can do that will bring almost immediate relief.

Take a deep breath.  Hold it.  Slowly breathe out.   Repeat 3-5 times.

It’s called breath work and it turns on our parasympathetic nervous system, which, when activated,  produces a calm and relaxed feeling in the mind and body.   Consider it your Kryptonite against your stress, anxiety and sleepless nights.

The beautiful thing about this technique is it can be done anywhere.  In line at Starbucks, at your desk in the office or even while sitting in traffic.

I found this to be really helpful when we hit a patch of turbulence on a flight, when I have to speak in public or am having trouble sleeping.  That deep, rhythmic breathing instantly calms me down.  It gives me space to think.

The next time you find yourself in a fight or flight mode due to stress, anxiety or overwhelm, take a beat.

Breath in slowly for a 4 count, hold your breath for 6, slowly release your breath for 6.  Repeat.

For more information on deep breathing and its benefits, check out this article:  https://www.thecut.com/2018/12/what-deep-breathing-does-to-your-body.html

Now go run!

Keli 🙂