This month’s toolbox talk is on Mindful Breathing. Similar to August’s discussion on Being Present, mindful breathing is something you can do for free, anywhere, and at any time. Mindful breathing is a powerful strategy to help you focus on the present moment.
Focusing on your breath involves observing each inhale and exhale. This practice can reduce stress by lowering your heart rate and engaging the parasympathetic nervous system (the body’s calming system).
Here are some tips for mindful breathing:
- Practice mindful breathing before bed to improve sleep.
- Soften your gaze and bring your attention to the natural rhythm of your breathing.
- Remember, thoughts are a natural part of the process and may arise during mindful breathing. Allow them to come and go, gently redirecting your focus back to your breath.
Mindful breathing is a practice you can use anytime and anywhere. You can always return to your breath no matter what is happening around you. Deep breathing also increases the oxygen supply to your brain, which helps you make better decisions.
While it may seem easy to “just breathe,” stressful or threatening situations often cause us to forget to breathe properly, leaving us feeling out of control and panicked. This is when mindful breathing becomes especially helpful. You have nothing to lose by simply focusing on your breath.
Here are your October Toolbox Resources
Mindful Breathing Video Toolbox Talk
