The reason why just one breath changes things. It was there all along.

Somehow, things aren't going well today.
I'm not sure why, but both my mind and body feel heavy.

At times like that, what I often do is take a deep breath.

You might think, "Just by doing that?" but
it's surprisingly effective.

What happens when you take a deep breath

Slowly inhale, and slowly exhale.

Just by doing that, it is said that
the balance of your autonomic nervous system is restored.

Our bodies have
an "accelerator" and a "brake."

・The accelerator is the "sympathetic nervous system" (tension, focus, combat mode)

・The brake is the "parasympathetic nervous system" (relaxation, recovery, rest mode)

When you're feeling worn out, your body is in a state of having the accelerator pressed down the whole time.

A deep breath slowly switches that setting to rest mode.

Deep breathing is a forced brake

Deep breathing is the act of forcibly pressing the brake on that accelerated state.

In particular, by "making your exhales longer,"

the parasympathetic nervous system becomes dominant.

More than inhaling, it's about exhaling.

Letting go helps you find balance.

When you take a deep breath, you are likely to feel these changes.

😊Your feelings calm down a little
😊The fog in your head clears up
😊The tension in your shoulders releases
😊Irritation softens

It doesn't make you feel energetic all at once, but

“Feeling a little better” is just right.

The method is very simple.

You don't need to overthink it.

1. Inhale slowly through your nose (about 4 seconds) 1.2.3.4 2. Exhale slowly through your mouth (about 6-8 seconds) 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8...

☝️ The point is, “make the exhale longer.”

When you exhale, your shoulders drop, your jaw relaxes, and the tension in your body fades away.

Just by doing this, your body will feel that
“it's okay to be at ease.”

When you're struggling, you don't have to try so hard.

There are days when trying to cheer yourself up
only makes you more tired.

At times like that,
you don't have to try to change anything,

for now,
try taking one deep breath.

Just by doing that, perhaps

today might become a little kinder.

Lastly,

It's okay if you can't do it perfectly.

It's okay even if you only do it once.

Even just that much means
you are truly trying to find your balance.

Come on, let's take a breath♪

May your day be a little lighter.