Breathe

Service Description

Deep Belly Breathing: Online Companion 1. What & Why Most of us breathe shallowly into our chest, especially when stressed. Deep belly breathing, also called diaphragmatic breathing, involves breathing down into your diaphragm (belly area). This simple practice naturally activates your body’s relaxation response, lowers stress levels, reduces blood pressure, and increases mental clarity. 2. How to Use the Frame 1. Shake the Frame: Visualize the swirling glitter as scattered thoughts or stress. 2. Place Your Hand on Your Belly: Ensure your breath moves into your abdomen rather than your chest. 3. Inhale Slowly: Let your belly gently expand like a balloon as you breathe in. 4. Exhale Gently: Allow your belly to naturally contract as you breathe out. 5. Repeat Until the Glitter Settles: Focus your attention on your breath, aligning your mind with your body’s calming rhythm. 3. The Science Behind It • Increased Oxygen Intake: Diaphragmatic breathing improves oxygen exchange, enhancing mental clarity and energy levels. • Reduced Cortisol Levels: Belly breathing is linked to lowered cortisol (the stress hormone), fostering relaxation. • Mind-Body Connection: Paying mindful attention to each breath interrupts anxiety loops and fosters present-moment awareness. 4. Going Deeper • Counting Breaths: Inhale gently for a count of 4–6, pause briefly, and then exhale slowly for a similar count. • Gentle Pause: Introduce a brief pause after inhaling before exhaling, noticing and releasing tension. • Visualization: Imagine inhaling calm and exhaling stress with each breath. 5. Common Challenges & Solutions • Shallow Breathing: Keep one hand on your chest and one on your belly. Aim for your belly to rise more than your chest. • Feeling Lightheaded: Slow your breathing pace, taking moderate breaths rather than overly deep ones. • Mind Wandering: When your attention drifts, gently refocus on your belly movement or the glitter in the frame. 6. Everyday Applications with the Frame • Morning Routine: Begin your day with five belly breaths, using the Focus Frame to visually anchor your attention. • Work Breaks: Shake the frame and practice belly breathing for a few moments between tasks to reset your mental clarity. • Evening Wind-Down: Incorporate belly breathing with the frame at bedtime to ease into restful sleep. 7. Reflection Prompts • Physical Sensations: How does your body feel differently after belly breathing? • Mental Clarity: Did you notice changes i