Day #2: Breathing

Focus of the Day

• Take 5 deep breaths at least two times during the day.

Background

Your breathing is far more complex and significant than you might think. Not only does the untiring breathing mechanism bring oxygen into the lungs, into to every nook and cranny of the entire body, and take carbon dioxide out again.

The muscular interaction of the breath actually also affects and stimulates your abdominal muscles, back muscles and your pelvic floor. You can say that simply breathing deeply is a tiny workout for these muscles. This is an easy trick that is worth taking with you, right?

Your breathing is also of great importance to your mental well-being. If you are stressed, sad, frustrated or not quite on top of things, then a few deep breaths can make a huge difference. If you want this mental effect of breathing, just make sure you draw the air in through the nose, because the breath then has the calming effect on the nervous system. Try this the next time you feel things getting a bit hectic.

Try to make your breathing as deep and long as possible. Relax in the shoulders, neck and jaw. Allow the abdomen and then the chest to expand when the air is drawn in. And then feel how first the chest and then the stomach fall slightly together during the exhalation. Make the breath fluid and relaxed.

Bonus Tip

Do you have trouble settling down even if you are exhausted? Focus on your breathing may help.

Try this active powernap:

While baby takes nap, set a timer for 10 minutes. Lie on your back with a heavy book on your stomach. You can have a cushion under the knees if that feels good. Take deep breaths while you feel the book moving a little up on the inhale and down on the exhale. Relax in the body and try to keep your mind on the breathing.