Podcast Summary
Focusing on breath during meditation activates relaxation response: Practicing slow exhales during meditation triggers relaxation response, helping manage stress effectively in any situation
Practicing meditation, specifically focusing on your breath, can help activate your parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg, who has authored numerous books on the subject and hosts the Meta Hour podcast, guided us through a simple breathing exercise during this episode of 10% Happier. By slowing down your exhales, you can trigger your body's relaxation response, regardless of your current environment. Whether you're commuting, on a date, or in an interview, taking a moment to focus on your breath can help you calm down and manage stress more effectively.
Practice deliberate breathing for stress reduction: Deliberate breathing with longer out breaths reduces stress, increase awareness of breath and promote relaxation
Practicing deliberate breathing, with a longer out breath than in breath, can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. This technique involves paying attention to the feeling of the breath as it moves in and out, and experimenting with holding the breath for a few seconds before releasing it. It's important to remember that this practice should not cause strain or discomfort, and should be adjusted to what feels right for each individual. The practice can be alternated between deliberate breaths and natural breaths, with the goal of increasing awareness of the breath and how it affects the body. Try incorporating this practice into your daily routine to promote relaxation and mindfulness.