Restorative breathing is a technique that promotes a deep sense of relaxation in peace in those who use the practice. Use it with restorative yoga poses, helping release the stress and tension of the day while bringing you closer to your inner being. Try it during meditation, or as a way to re-center yourself in times of stress.
Being in-tune with the process of relaxation and restorative breathing is essential, as it could be the key to vitality. Vitality is defined as “the continuance of life,” and is often associated with youthfulness, sharp mentality, and positivity.
The Purpose of Restorative Breathing
Restorative breathing focuses on slowing the mind by bringing attention to the breath. No matter how still you keep your body, sometimes, it can seem impossible to calm your thoughts. Restorative breathing enables those who practice to settle in and bring their attention to a single idea. Focus on the breath, even if only for a brief time. It’s a mental check-in with your physical self.
you can practice therapeutic breathing anywhere, it only takes a few minutes. You can do it at your desk, in the classroom, while you’re driving, or sitting at home. It requires nothing but self-awareness.
The Restorative Breathing Method™
The Restorative Breathing Method™ was developed by Lois Laynee, MBA, RDH, who reminds us that breath is the source of life. While the human body can endure weeks without food, we suffer severe neurological damage if we go just minutes without oxygen. Ensuring that you get the most out of each breath is essential.
To practice restorative breathing, bring your attention to your body and ask yourself the following questions:
- Are my lips gently together, without tension?
- Am I experiencing any facial tension?
- Is my jaw unclenched?
- Am I inhaling and exhaling through my nose?
- Am I breathing silently?
- Are my neck and shoulders relaxed?
If you answered yes to all of the above questions, you are practicing restorative breathing. If you didn’t, focus on the aspects to which you answered no. We often clench our jaws and carry stress and tension in our necks and shoulders. Once we take the time to identify this tension and release it, our bodies and minds feel much better.
How Restorative Breathing Aids Vitality
Why is therapeutic breathing so important, and how does it relate to the continuance of life? Focus on managing stress. It’s been shown that there is a link between stress and heart attacks and that there are many secondary symptoms of stress that can cause discomfort in everyday life. It’s even been said that stress can kill you.
When we relax our bodies and minds through simple breathwork, it helps prevent the physical effects of stress on the body. It’s beneficial both in the moment and for long-term health. As chronic stress can affect nearly every primary body system, it’s essential to learn effective management techniques.
Laynee states that restorative breathing can help improve energy, promote overall health, and improve sleep patterns. Give it a try, along with these many other breathing techniques, to see the positive effects.