Breathe In - Nipples to Kneecaps (to die or not to die with cancer)
Stomach sucks, kissing and eye rolling = healthy breathing!
I first came across the importance of correct breathing and various techniques when I was taking public speaking lessons in my teens.
"Breathe from your diaphragm,!" the tutor said. I noticed when I did this, not only could I project my voice but it came across stronger and more confident. Result!
When Steve was diagnosed with terminal cancer and the doctors offered no treatment (as it was too late), I had to find my 'confident voice' to speak on his behalf.
When you are faced with a stressful situation breathing correctly can definitely help. You will find it's not just the deep breath in that calms, but the long breath out!
Try a few of my breathing exercises here:
1. STOMACH SUCKS Breathe in from your diaphragm in short sharp breaths until your stomach is held in almost like a cave, then let your breath out forcefully and fully. Repeat 3 times. This also helps to tone your stomach muscles.
2. HOLD ON Breathe in to the count of 5, hold for 4, breathe out gently and slowly. Repeat 5 times.
3. ROLLING EYES Close your eyes, breathe in and roll your eyes up. Breathe out and roll our eyes back down. Repeat 5 times.
4. GIVE ME A KISS Aim to breathe out for double the amount of breaths you inhale. Pursed lip breathing helps release air that’s trapped in the lungs, and decreases the amount of breaths you take, while extending exhalation.With relaxed shoulders, take a normal breath for about 2 counts. Then pucker your lips up (think of your mouth when you’re about to blow a kiss — that’s what your lips should look like!) and exhale for 4 counts. Repeat 4 times.
5.IT'S A KNOCKOUT Take a few deep breaths, then settle into a pattern of “normal” breathing. When you exhale, count “one.” The next time, count “two.” Do this until you have exhaled (and counted to) ten, then start the pattern over.
Wishing you all the best of health
Mandy
