One of the easiest ways to work with your breath is to become aware of when you hold your breath. You may be surprised at how often you hold your breath. It’s usually held for a couple of seconds or more. You may be holding your breath because of postural habits or it could be that you have too much tension in an area. Or you simply have the habit of holding the breath rather than allowing it to cycle in and out freely.
Notice when you hold your breath
There are a many keys to allowing breath to be easeful, but the first step is to notice if you hold your breath:
- as you work at your computer or on your mobile
- when listening to people
- on the train
- before you're about to speak, especially when you’re speaking publicly or performing
- when you're working out
More breath more joy
Notice if you drop off tension throughout the day by noticing your breath. Are you happier or less stressed at the end of the day?
Read more: How I teach breathing
image: Banku Patchara