Breathe deep
Speaking of breathing, when overwhelm strikes, we can often forget how to breathe. Holding our breath or taking short and shallow breaths only work to make us feel more anxious. Practice breathing deeply into your body as a way of instantly calming yourself. Simple breathing practices release physical and mental tensions and the great thing is, you can do it anywhere!
Ujayyi breathing (ooh-jah-yee)
Try this relaxing and soothing breath practice.
1. Sit in a comfortable position.
2. Inhale through your nose and let your belly expand.
3. Exhale completely and let your body empty of air.
4. Next time you inhale, make a sound like you’re fogging up a mirror.
5. Close your mouth and repeat this on the inhale and the exhale - it will sound like you’re making an ‘ahhhh’ sound with the back of your throat.
Repeat for 10 rounds.
This breath practice is a great way to calm your body and nervous system down.
Nurture yourself with nature
Sometimes the best way to get out of your head is to step into nature. We spend so much of our lives on our phones and devices that we can forget to claim some headspace for ourselves. One of the simplest ways to feel connected is to get out in nature - and the summer is the perfect time.
Try:
- Going for a walk
- Taking off your shoes and feeling the grass beneath your feet
- Stopping and smelling a beautiful flower
- Planting some seeds and feeling the soil between your fingers
- Sitting and listening to the birds whilst sipping on your morning cuppa
- Watch the sunset or sunrise