30 Days of Summer Yoga-Day 25

Breathe

I have a friend that used to have that one word written on a post-it, stuck to her computer at work.  She put it there to remind herself to take deep breaths every once in awhile.  It's advice we can all use;.

When is the last time you took a long, deep, inhale? Had an exhale so full that you felt tension release from your whole body?  Learning this classic technique is an easy way to incorporate a deep breath into your day wherever you are.
 
Please note that the diaphragm is a muscle.  If you find this breath technique hard to maintain, you're not alone!  Keep at it and soon it will be easier.
A seated position works for this, but I find lying down on my back is the best way to feel my stomach move in and out.

Diaphragmatic Breathing
-Place one hand on your belly, one hand on your chest.  The hand on the belly  should rise and fall with your breath.
-Inhale deeply through the nose, feel the belly push out 
-Exhale and feel the belly relax back down

That's it.  I recommend 1 - 5 minutes to begin with, adding more time as you can. Lifting the belly away from the body on the inhale engages the diaphragm, flattening it out.  It takes a little effort and attention to detail in the beginning, so keep trying!  

Weather 68 & Sunny
Students-2 Chair, 6 mat
Organization-WAWM Special Education
Money Raised-$16