Take a Deep Breath Exercise and Enjoy It

By La Plata Physical Therapy, Inc.

La Plata Physical Therapy, Inc.

. http://www.laplatapt.com/

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Take a Deep Breath Exercise and Enjoy It

Summer is rolling in and extracurricular activities are abundant in our lives in addition to regular physical activity, work responsibilities, taking care of family, and tending to the yard. Being mindful of the busy lives we all lead is an ideal way to remain in a healthy mindset for ourselves and others around us.

The beginning to the act of being mindful is just recognizing or observing the changes around you. You may also be able to notice what is interesting about the events of the past, present or future while practicing “this too shall pass” or calmly respecting what changes are occurring.

One example might be that you are going for a walk or jog. During this activity there are things you can be aware of in the active moment Where are you? How does the air smell? What stage are the leaves or the flowers on the trees and plants? How does the ground feel under my feet? Am I listening to the birds or thinking about that guy on the road who forgot to use his blinker and cut me off?

Sometimes it is difficult to exercise and feel good about it, during and after. Your mindset is a big part of how positively you perceive exercise. This may be difficult because you just need one tool to help quiet your mind and refocus the brain.

Today, try some deep breathing. (Maybe even right now.) You're reading this article, but no one else will know that you're not reading, closing your eyes, and practicing long, steady, deep breaths filling down into the belly, diaphragm, low chest, mid chest and upper chest. Then try breathing out in the reverse order. Try this 5-10 times.

How does it feel? Is your body feeling any different? Are there less thoughts passing through your brain? Will this be an ideal way to bring your brain to focus during your exercise sessions? Try this again at a later point in your day. If the breathing just is not working, you can always try thinking of sunshine, lemonade and beaches if that brings on happiness for you.

Wishing you happiness and calmness during your exercise sessions.