The ability to handle stress is critical in everyone’s life.
Everyone comes across certain seasons that can be extremely stressful.
One of the things I like to do is what’s called the 4-7-8 method of breathing. Whenever something gets really stressful you can go through several cycles of this breathing exercise:
Breath in through your nose for a slow 4 count Hold your breath for 7 seconds. Then release with a slight audible sounds for 8 seconds completely emptying your lungs.
** You should press the tongue against the roof of the mouth through the entire exercise.
By going through 4 cycles of this, it’s been clinically shown to reduce anxiety, and make chemical changes in your stress hormones.
When you get good at it, it’s great to start off your day with this. Set a clock. When I started I started with 3 minutes for a week, then went to 4 minutes and so on. I’m now up to anywhere from 10-20. Just sit quietly and do the 4-7-8 breathing.
When you have a thought acknowledge the thought and go back to your breathing.
This will reduce anxiety and stress, and also help you cope with stressful things better.
Good luck with handling your stress.
At Home WOD:
Run 1 mile do 10 burpees every minute