An adult human being breathes an average of 15,000 liters (3962 gallons) of air every day, taking around 20,000 breaths in and out.

The process takes place automatically, without us having to think about it.

We usually breathe when we’re short of air. Breathing then becomes a major preoccupation. The rest of the time, it’s almost invisible and unconscious.

Yet we should all be concerned about our breathing from time to time!

Deep breathing has many benefits, including helping you to let go, release muscular tension and calm your thoughts.

It differs from automatic breathing.

When we breathe automatically, we use only a small part of our breathing capacity. Deep breathing is slow, abdominal breathing that mobilizes the entire capacity of the lungs.

Deep breathing can be developed through practical exercises.

That’s why today I’m proposing a deep breathing exercise to help you relax and let go.

STEP 1: PREPARE FOR THE EXERCISE
Place yourself in a quiet place, free from distractions, and sit comfortably on a chair or armchair. Stand up straight, legs parallel. Place your hands on your thighs. Close your eyes.

This first step is very important, as it allows you to clear your mind and enter the exercise, leaving all your preoccupations behind.

Don’t neglect it!

STEP 2: BECOME AWARE OF YOUR BREATHING
Simply start by becoming aware of your breathing, of the air that flows in and out of your nostrils, inflating and deflating your belly.

Concentrate little by little on the inhalations and exhalations, and feel the brief moment of retention in between.

Let yourself be carried away by the gentle, pleasant flow of breath.

Don’t try to change the rhythm of your breathing, just let it come and go as it is in the present moment.

STEP 3: SET UP DEEP BREATHING
As you inhale, your belly expands.

I invite you to place a hand on your belly to feel the swelling.

As you exhale, your belly deflates.

Push all the air out of your lungs before starting a new cycle of deep breathing.

To do this, press lightly on your belly with your hand.

Continue in this way for a few minutes, taking ten or so deep breaths.

If you are distracted by a thought that arises during the exercise, accept its presence and refocus on the breath.

STEP 4: EXIT THE EXERCISE
Exiting the exercise is also important to feel the benefits of deep breathing.

Once you’ve done about ten deep breaths, gradually return to your automatic breathing. Keep still for a few seconds or a minute.

…

Then open your eyes.

…

Feel what has changed in you.

I invite you to do this exercise every day, in the morning when you wake up and/or in the evening before going to bed.

It only takes a few minutes, but you’ll reap great benefits.

With practice, you’ll be able to let go on command, when you really need to, before an exam, an interview or a trip.

You’ll see that it will make a huge difference to your life!

Do you practice deep breathing on a daily basis? Let me know what you think about the benefits of this technique.