Let’s start by defining mindfulness. It is a state of being aware, attentive, and focused with both mind and body. Mindful breathing fosters mindfulness by directing attention to the sensation of breath as it flows in and out of your body. This practice involves paying attention to this often unconscious activity and tuning into how it makes you feel. Mindful breathing is a deep breathing exercise that involves taking big breaths and controlling the duration and timing of each breath.
The primary objective of mindful breathing is to anchor your mind in the present moment, without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Conscious breathing offers multiple benefits, including pain relief, increased energy, and improved focus and attention.
The next time you feel stressed, try calming yourself by taking a deep breath through your nose for about three seconds. Hold the breath for an additional two seconds, and then exhale for approximately four seconds.
This is just one fundamental mindfulness exercise. To learn more, watch this video on five minutes of mindful breathing.
