It’s simple really. When we regulate our breathing, the nerves that connect our lungs to our brains, send a signal to slow down, calm down, and focus. There is a brain/body connection, and it’s powerful. We control our breath. We control our bodies. We control our behavior.

Awareness leads to Emotion Regulation

Once we notice that we feel a certain emotion, we get to decide what to do with it. Does it feel good or do we want to change it? We can notice the emotion, name it, and change it if we choose. We are in control. Now, we are able to control our behaviors…instead of letting emotions control us.

Controlling our breath means controlling our bodies. And behavior.

We get to decide because we are in control of ourselves.

Our breath is a powerful tool that helps us gain awareness and control. Try box breath for focus: inhale for a count of four, hold for four, exhale for hour, hold for four, 5 – 10 rounds. Try 4-7-8 breath for stress and anxiety: inhale for a count of four, hold for seven, exhale for eight, 5 – 10 rounds.

To learn more breathing techniques for increased calm, focus, or joy, read 30 Days of Breathwork.

Cope Well.