2020 has been INTENSE for all of us. We've all got a battle or two (or more) going on right now in our lives.

Even dentists are reporting increased numbers of cracked teeth and dental emergencies since the Spring.  Apparently, it's from all the jaw clenching and teeth grinding from stress.

Good news, I've got a go to breathing exercise for anxiety and stress...

THE COOLING BREATH

It’ll not only help you process strong emotions like The Ha Breath does, but help you calm and relax your nervous system.

It’s the perfect time to add it to your breath work toolbox.

OK let's test it out. 

Check in to see if you are feeling any anxiety or stress.  Rate it on a scale of 1 (none) to 10 (I’m freaking out).

Next do 5 reps of The Cooling Breath.

It’s getting W-E-I-R-D in here. 

How are you doing now that we’re at the mask stage of the Rona Ride?

I’m used to them in the medical world, but it still feels strange to wear them in public.

This whole experience is pretty disorienting.  Isn’t it?

As we add covering up with the mask to social distancing, keep in mind you can still connect with others using your eyes and body language. 

Some of my stroke patients that I learned the most and felt closest too didn’t speak a word the entire time I worked with them because of their aphasia.  We used body language and eye contact to connect and understand each other.

When you’re wearing a mask in public, you can still crack jokes and use eye contact to connect with people especially those with essential service jobs.  The stress and fatigue are on the rise in the front lines.

Smile with your eyes.  They’re still the window to your soul.  Send them some love.

I know there’s confusion and mixed messages out there on masks, even when some communities require them. 

Part of the journey of this pandemic is we have to adapt as we learn more information.  Current research shows masks help decrease risk for all by at least 50% (3 ply surgical masks are better than home made).

Wearing a mask is another tool to protect ourselves and the most vulnerable in our community from the virus. 

Mask Care 101:  Make sure you cover both your mouth and nose with it.  And once it’s on don’t touch it with your hands.  If you do touch it, wash your hands.  Take it off by the ear loops and throw it away.

Yes the Rona Ride is getting repetitive but it’s simple:  Wash (your hands), Watch (your distance), and Wear (your mask).

Before you mask up, do the dog breath (in your house or car).  It’s another exercise to add to your breath work toolbox that’ll help boost your immune system.

DOG BREATH:

• Stick your tongue out all the way and breathe rapidly through your mouth the entire time (like a dog panting). 
• Practice for 3-5 minutes. 
• To finish the exercise, inhale and hold your breath for 15 seconds as you press your tongue hard against your upper palate.  Repeat closing breath 2 more times.

Peace & Love,
Mollie

P.S. Helpful Resources:
Download this daily planner to help you add 1-3 minute rest & relaxation breaks into your day.
Additional Rest Resources
Self-care basics during COVID-19
Surgical Masks: Austin Emergency Supply Foundation provides free masks to small business and those in need.  You can buy masks for just yourself or for you + help others get them too.
Best Mask For Glasses (anti-fog)

One of the things I love about Pilates, Yoga, and Qi Gong is the emphasis on the breath work. 

They all teach you how the breath is where it all starts.  It controls everything.  How you heal.  How you feel.  How you move. 

And there are so many breathing exercises out there that can give you different results. 

You can change the way you breathe so that it calms your nervous system, to turn on your nervous system before or during activity, to boost your energy, to loosen muscle tension, and/or to decrease anxiety and overwhelm. 

It’s fascinating how something so simple can make such a difference in your body and mind. 

Try this.

Put your hand over your heart and close your eyes.  Take a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth.  Repeat a few more deep breaths. 

Did that release some tension in your neck?  Do you feel a less overwhelmed?  How about more grounded or centered?

You can use this breathing exercise anytime you feel like life is spiraling out of control.  It reminds you that you DO have control. 

One breath can change everything.  Your mood.  Your energy level. 

And as they say you've gotta feel it to heal it.  Breath work will help you do that.

Having a variety of breathing exercises in your self-care tool box will help you manage stress, fatigue, and pain to perform and feel your best each day. 

Here is another breathing exercise for you to try that will help you release STRONG emotions: The Ha Breath*.

Some of us were taught that it's not OK to express strong or negative emotions (i.e. anger, sadness) and they get trapped in our body. This technique will help you release them. 

Not to get too woo woo on you, but it'll also help you center yourself by combining both your masculine and feminine energy so you’re in a more peaceful place.