How CBD and Breath Work Can Ground You
Stress is a natural response to difficult situations we find ourselves in every day.. It can keep you sharp, but it can also paralyze you if left unchecked. Managing stress is key to building confidence and finding joy in your daily life, and one of the most effective tools you have is your breath. Here are some breathing techniques to help you stay calm and focused during your day. And of course, Kyoto Botanicals organic CBD tinctures as part of your morning routine will help you manage this every day stress to be your best self every day.
1. The Power of Awareness: Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing
When stress kicks in, our breathing often becomes shallow and rapid, which can increase feelings of panic. Deep diaphragmatic breathing helps counteract this by engaging your parasympathetic nervous system, signaling to your body that it’s safe.
How to practice:
Before you start your day, take a moment to center yourself. Place one hand on your chest and one on your stomach.
Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of 4, allowing your stomach to rise.
Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 6, feeling your stomach fall.
Repeat this cycle 5-10 times to calm your nervous system and set a steady rhythm.
2. Paced Breathing for Focus
When you're having a particularly stressful moment, adopting paced breathing can help you maintain focus and prevent your thoughts from spiraling.
How to practice:
Match your breathing to your movement. For instance, inhale as you step with your right foot and exhale as you step with your left foot. Develop a rhythm you can focus on.
Keep your exhale slightly longer than your inhale to promote relaxation.
If you find yourself frozen, pause and take 2-3 deliberate breaths before continuing.
3. Box Breathing for Immediate Calm
Box breathing is a simple yet powerful technique for staying composed under pressure. It’s perfect for those moments when stress takes over and you need to calm your mind quickly.
How to practice:
Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds.
Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
Exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds.
Hold your breath again for 4 seconds.
Repeat this cycle 3-5 times or until you feel more grounded.
4. Resonant Breathing for Steady Confidence
Resonant breathing, or coherent breathing, involves slowing your breath to about 5-6 breaths per minute. This technique can help you maintain steady confidence and focus.
How to practice:
Inhale deeply through your nose for 5 seconds.
Exhale slowly through your mouth for 5 seconds.
Continue this pattern as you sit at your desk or in your car or anywhere, focusing on the rhythm to keep your mind engaged and your nerves in check.
5. Visualization and Breath Integration
Combine your breathing exercises with visualization to further reduce stress. Imagine doing your next task on your to do list easily and confidently, then synchronize your breath with the imagery.
How to practice:
Before your start righting that stressful email, close your eyes and visualize the process of typing it. Picture your fingers moving smoothly over the keys, breathing calmly and steadily.
Carry this mental image with you as you work, using your breath to reinforce the vision.
Bonus Tip: Practice Makes Perfect
Like any skill, effective breathing requires practice. Incorporate these techniques into your daily routine and practice them in low-stress situations. Over time, they’ll become second nature, helping you manage stress instinctively.
Breathing is more than just a physiological necessity, it’s a powerful tool for overcoming stress and unlocking your daily potential. By integrating these techniques into your daily life, you can transform stress from a limiting factor into a source of focus and strength. Start every day the same way: one breath at a time. And with some CBD 🙂
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