More and more information is coming out highlighting the importance of proper breathing. Taking slow, deep belly breaths shifts our nervous system from “fight, flight or freeze” to “rest and digest.”
Life has us fluctuating between these two nervous system continually and that’s a good thing. However, when we find ourselves stuck in “fight, flight or freeze” over and over, we start to experience physical ramifications from this mental state. Our heart rate increases, blood pressure goes up, muscles tighten, the stress hormone cortisol soars and anxiety overwhelms.
Having gone through prolonged “fight, flight or freeze” seasons and naturally finding myself sucked into that mindset regularly, I’ve become pretty passionate about having simple tools to help me shift back to “rest and digest.”
One of those tools I’ll frequently use – whether driving in the car, sitting at home, before a presentation, during a run….is the 4-7-8 BREATHING EXERCISE.Have you ever tried this one?
Breathe in for 4 seconds – Hold for 7 seconds – Breathe out for 8 seconds
You may find it easiest to perform the 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise in one of the Breathing Reset positions we do before every workout at Valeo – you can check those out HERE!
Being able to control your breath will play a huge role in your fitness journey, helping your body respond positively to good stress (working out) and reduce the impact of negative stress (say, anxiety about work). And Stressing Less undoubtedly impacts every other Core Four healthy habit that helps us look, move and feel (even more) awesome.
Here’s exactly how to do the 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise
that will help you shift to “Rest and Digest”
- Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
- Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four. Pretend your belly is a balloon and you’re filling it up (belly should expand, not chest).
- Hold your breath for a count of seven. This allows oxygen to fill your lungs and then circulate throughout the body, producing a relaxing effect.
- 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.
We’re rooting for rest, for release, for refreshment – for you!
Jess + Team Valeo
