New Techniques in Weight Management – Part Two

Mindful breathing while during weight loss journey

Part 2!

Mindful breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system to reset and rejuvenate your brain. This one simple choice has the power to activate all repair and healing functions in the body. This is not hyperbole. Our body is constantly sensing our environment for cues and clues about the status of our world. Our breathing pattern is a powerful piece of data for the brain because we are doing it constantly. If our breathing tends to be shallow, frequent, focusing on inhalation and short, quick exhalation, the body knows we are stressed. It will serve us by promoting capability to fight, flight, and hide – survival, yes, but not healing or vitality. Only when we are relaxed, safe, and at ease is our breathable to deepen, slow, and allow long, steady exhalations with pauses between breaths. The body knows this truth.

There are many effective patterns and practices for Mindful Breathing. None are optimal. There is just the best choice for You on this particular day. You may enjoy exploring a variety of approaches or the practices included in the inspirational read “Breath, The New Science of a Lost Art” by James Nestor and seeing which feels best to have in your library of options.
We recommend you begin by using Box Breathing. In this approach, you inhale to a count of 4, hold your breath for a count of 8, and then exhale slowly to a count of 8. Then notice the small still point – the pause – at the bottom of your breath before you inhale again.

Realize gently that you may choose this freedom to refocus and reset at any time as often as you desire as a daily, mindful practice. And also as needed during any stressful time.

Managing weight can be stressful, but taking some breathing exercise definitely helps get through the tough times!