Self-Care Skills: Deep Breathing

The uneasiness is real, especially in Trump country. ​ Lately, I've had to remind my clients, friends, family and self to engage in more self-care and to simply slow down.

Mindfulness and deep breathing are highly effective ways to help reduce anxiety. 

I implore you to try the deep breathing technique below when you find yourself in a stressful situation​: It is called the 4x4x4 technique.

"Meditation and deep breathing helps slow the cognitive process and open us up to more intuitive thoughts", says retired SEAL Cmdr. Mark Devine, who developed SEALFit, a demanding training program for civilians that incorporate yoga mindfulness and breathing techniques. He says some of his fellow SEALs became so in tune they were able to sense the presence of nearby roadside bombs. ​

Here's the 4x4x4 beginners technique:

1. Inhale deeply for four counts 

2. Exhale for four counts and 

3. Repeat the cycle for four minutes several times today ​

Slow down, Queen! - Crystal Gordon