For some of us, this lockdown brings a heightened sense of anxiety. Know that this is totally normal and you are not alone! There are ways to overcome this challenging time and I will share my tips and tricks with you.

The number one tool I use, which also happens to be my favourite breathing technique is called Square Breathing.

Before we begin, make sure you are in a comfortable position.

Option 1: Seated, in a cross-legged position with your hands resting on my knees, palms facing up or down.

Option 2: Resting, laying down on your back, arms at your sides.

Once you've found your comfortable spot, take a cleansing breath. A big inhale and sigh out on exhale.

As you are ready take a deep steady breath in for a count of four, hold that in-breath for another count of four, slowly exhale on the next count of four, and hold the end of the exhale for the last count of four.

 

 

Try this for 4 or 5 cycles of breath when you start to feel anxious, or at the end of a yoga class for that "Mmmmm" moment. 

Tip: Make sure to get up slowly if you decide to do this laying down.

Taking a deep inhale is linked to the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the fight-or-flight response. While exhaling is linked to the parasympathetic nervous system, which influences our body's ability to relax again. 

Regular meditation and breathing exercises not only calms the nervous system but also gives you that time to check-in. For me it brings clarity in understand where my mind is, to recognize what is beneath the surface.

This breathing tool you can master all by yourself! All it takes is consistent practice :)