🌟Dearest readers🌟
As the holiday season unfolds, it often brings a mix of joy and stress, especially for those of us who have experienced the loss of a loved one. In these moments, finding ways to navigate our emotions is essential. Today, I want to share the practice of Square Breathing, a technique that has been a pillar of support for me.
What is Squ
are Breathing?
are Breathing?Square Breathing, also known as Box Breathing, is a simple yet profound breathing technique that helps manage stress, clear the mind, and honor our emotions during tough times.
Why Square Breathing?
Recently, while driving to pick up my son from basketball, I encountered a situation that tested my usual calm demeanor. A pickup truck aggressively forced me toward oncoming traffic during a lane merge. Usually, I'd let such rudeness slide off my back, choosing peace over confrontation. However, this time, my reaction was different.
Overwhelmed by emotions, I honked incessantly and even responded with a rude gesture. The driver's subsequent actions – leaning out to spit on my car and throwing a cigarette butt – only escalated the situation. It was a stark reminder that I, too, am human and susceptible to emotional upheaval.
Reflecting on this moment, I realized that my response was less about the driver's behavior and more about my own emotional state. Grief from my mother's passing on Thanksgiving, compounded by unchecked stress, had left me on edge. In that heated moment, I forgot a crucial lesson from my past: emotional regulation is a practice, not a given.
Emotional regulation involves managing our reactions to external stressors and maintaining some control over our emotional responses. It's about creating a space between stimulus and response, where we can choose how to react. Techniques like box breathing can be immensely helpful in such situations. Box breathing helps in calming the mind and body during times of stress, making it easier to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
This incident was a powerful reminder of the importance of self-care and emotional management, especially during trying times. It's not just about avoiding unpleasant confrontations; it's about maintaining inner peace and well-being.
The Science Behind Square Breathing:
- Activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System: This technique helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the 'rest and digest' response, as opposed to the 'fight or flight' response of the sympathetic nervous system.
- Lowers Stress Hormones: Regular practice can reduce stress hormones like cortisol, promoting a sense of calm.
- Improves Oxygen Supply: By controlling your breathing, you increase the oxygen supply to your brain, enhancing alertness and performance.
- Balances the Carbon Dioxide Levels: It helps balance the levels of carbon dioxide in your body, improving your overall respiratory efficiency.
How to Practice Square Breathing:
- Slowly Exhale: Gently exhale all your breath, emptying your lungs.
- Inhale Slowly: Inhale deeply for a count of four.
- Hold Your Breath: Hold this breath for four counts.
- Exhale Again: Exhale smoothly for another four counts.
- Hold Once More: Pause again for four counts.
- Repeat this cycle, feeling each breath as a moment of peace.
During the holidays, when memories flood in, and our hearts feel heavy, Square Breathing offers a moment of calm. It helps us process grief, reduces holiday stress, and brings us back to a place of centeredness.
Recommended Book:
"The Healing Power of the Breath" by Richard P. Brown and Patricia L. Gerbargis an excellent resource for further exploration into breathing techniques.
Closing Thoughts:
As we remember those we've lost and navigate the holiday stress, let's take time to breathe, reflect, and find peace amid chaos. Square Breathing is a tool that can help us embrace each moment with grace and strength.
Warmly,
Maria💚🌿
