Focusing on the breath is a useful way to ‘turn the volume down’ on any worries – you’re aware of them but they don’t get in your way. The focus on breath directs your attention away from potentially unhelpful thinking.
Sit somewhere nice and quiet. It doesn’t matter where it is as long as it is peaceful and you won’t be disturbed. Make sure you are comfortable and close your eyes.
Music: bensound.com
Mindfulness breathing anywhere.
Finger breathing
You can gently trace the outline of your fingers as you breathe. Up the finger as you inhale and down the other side as you exhale. Some people find the addition of touch to the breathing very comforting. It’s an easy thing to do anywhere!
Remember to breathe naturally and to match the speed of your finger movement to your natural breath – not the other way round.
12 o’clock breathing.
Stretch you arms above your head and make them as long and straight as you can. Now take some sloe, deep mindful breaths. Try to breathe in to the ends of your fingertips, and out down the whole body.
Box Breathing and 7/11 Breathing