Day 1 - The Power of Breath
Welcome to Day 1 of the Spring Awakening Challenge!!!
We're excited to kick off our Spring Awakening Challenge with the simplest and most effective tool for clearing stress and creating inner space: the breath. You can use pranayama (mindful breathing) anytime, anywhere to renew our minds, bodies, and spirits (no props needed)
Instructions:
For today's practice, let's explore two pranayama techniques:
1. Equal Breathing (Sama Vritti):
This technique balances your inhales and exhales, helping you feel more grounded and centered.
* Sit or lie down comfortably, and close your eyes if you can.
* Inhale through your nose for a count of four, feeling your breath expand your belly.
* Hold your breath for a moment.
* Exhale through your nose for a count of four, feeling your body relax as you breathe out.
* Hold your breath for another moment, then repeat for five minutes or so.
2. *Bee Breath (Bhramari Pranayama):** Soothe your nerves, relieve stress, and create a sense of inner peace.
* Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and relax your face and jaw.
* Inhale deeply through your nose, then exhale slowly while making a humming "Mmmmmm" sound.
* Focus on the vibration of the sound throughout your body as you exhale.
* Repeat for five minutes or so, feeling your mind and body become more calm and centered.
* The benefits of pranayama practice are pretty awesome:
* Lowers stress and anxiety (yes, please!)
* Sharpens your focus and concentration
* Boosts energy (hello, natural pick-me-up!)
* Helps you sleep better (zzz...)
* Just makes you feel better all around (yay!)
You can use these technique anytime you need a breather (pun intended). Try it first thing in the morning to start your day off clear and center, unwind down before bed, during a break in your day to reset and refocus or whenever you need a mini time-out. Just find what works best for you!
Let's do this Spring Awakening Challenge together, one breath at a time!
See you tomorrow for Day 2. 😊
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