Just Breathe

There are lots of things happening in the world today. Watching and reading the news can leave us feeling sad and anxious.

We get to choose how much news we consume and I suggest that we limit the amount we consume.

I have recently learned of a wonderful technique that helps us relax and feel less anxious. It is simple and can be done at night when we are trying to fall asleep. It is called left nostril breathing. Have you ever wondered why we have two nostrils instead of one big one? Honestly, I never gave it a thought either. Our bodies are finely tuned machines operating on positive and negative electrical currents. We have sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

The sympathetic nervous system is the fight or flight system that charges us up in times of danger. The parasympathetic nervous system is sometimes called the rest and digest system. It is able to decrease heart rate, especially when at rest after completing physical exercise or after stressful situations, where the heart would have been increased.

When we breathe solely out of our right nostril it is energizing, as it activates the sympathetic nervous system. When we breathe solely out of our left nostril it can be calming because it activates the parasympathetic nervous system.

When you need to calm down or can’t fall asleep try left nostril breathing. Simply take your right hand and press your right thumb gently against your right nostril. With long, slow, deep breaths inhale through your left nostril. Then, just as gently, exhale slowly, again through the left nostril. Concentrate on relaxing your body as you exhale. You can also do this rhythmically. Inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale in four counts. We are rhythmical beings and this rhythm can be very relaxing.

I tried this for a month and find that it really works for me. I’d like to invite you to give it a try. The best thing we can do for our bodies is to get a good night's sleep. Let me know how it works for you.

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