What Is Mindful Breathing?
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By Penelope Trent - April 18, 2023

Mindful breathing is a simple yet powerful practice that can help us to relax and stay present in the moment. It involves focusing your attention on the sensations of your breath as it moves through your body, from the inhalation to the exhalation. By doing this we can become more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without judgment – simply observing them as they come and go. This helps us to be less reactive to situations and better able to respond with intention. Mindful breathing also has many health benefits such as reducing stress levels, improving concentration, increasing energy levels, boosting immunity, lowering blood pressure, regulating heart rate and much more.

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Mindful breathing starts by finding a comfortable position where you can sit or lie down in silence for a few minutes each day. Begin by taking some deep breaths in through your nose while counting up to four on each inhale; then exhale out through your mouth while counting back down again from four until you reach zero at the end of each breath cycle. As you do this focus only on the sensation of air moving in and out of your lungs without judging any thoughts that may arise during this process – just let them pass like clouds in an open sky.

After a few minutes of mindful breathing, you will likely notice an increase in relaxation and alertness. Your mind may become quieter as the practice helps bring your focus back to the present moment. You can also use this technique during times of stress or anxiety, allowing yourself to take deeper breaths and observe whatever thoughts or emotions arise without judgment. Over time, mindful breathing can help you to develop greater awareness of yourself and the world around you, allowing for more meaningful experiences in life. The practice of mindful breathing is also beneficial for physical health, as it helps the body to relax and reduces levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.