Start your Monday off right!

Whenever I experience any anxiety or worry, I know that it's time to slow down...specifically, slow down my breathing.  I have a few good breathing exercises that always seem to "center" me and help invoke the relaxation response.  Here's an example:

To start, I sit in a straight backed chair, feet firmly placed on the floor.  I sit forward a little bit so my back is not touching the chair.  I lift my spine up and bring my shoulders back.  My head is aligned with my spine.  (I refer to this as my "regal" seat.  Picture a Queen on her throne!)

My hands rest in my lap or on my legs.  I will breath in and out through my nose.  Breathing through the nostrils filters the air coming in.  Now...I begin with the 4-count breath.   With each inhale, I slowly count to 4.  I then pause.  I exhale and count to 4.  I repeat this sequence for a minute or two.  Focusing on the breath as opposed to what's causing my worry allows me to let the worry go and relax.  It may take a little practice to sit still but as a wise Yoga teacher once told me, "It's called a yoga practice, not a yoga perfect."  Namaste~