Starfish breathing

Do you struggle with anger?

Do your emotions get the better of you?

Are there times when you need to reset?

Starfish breathing is a technique that I learnt years ago and now use in my day to day life. I've also found that it helps with clients who feel overwhelmed with life, who suffer from a stutter or those who are overrun with stress and anxiety.

You'll need both hands.

Spread one hand out in front of you with the palm on the upside.

With the index finger on your other hand, trace up the side of the thumb, over the top and back down the other side.

Continue to trace up the side of the index finger, over the top and back down the other side.

As you trace up a finger, breath in.

As you trace down, breath down.

Up, inhale.

Down, exhale.

Close your eyes.

Trace up, inhale.

Trace down, exhale.

Continue to trace round the outer palm of your hand and repeat, tracing around each finger, slowly and gently.

By closing your eyes and focusing on the sensation of the trace, you can calm the vagas nerve, ease the cognitive overload and lower your heart rate. For those suffering from a stutter the sensation of the tracing is a distraction that allows language to flow and as with everything that is worthwhile, the more you practice, the better it gets. For those who find stress is all encompassing, taking a few minutes for this breathing technique as often as needed, can help to lower the body's production of cortisol (the stress hormone) and help you face your daily challenges.

Give it a try.