Yes, our world is spinning and changing ever so quickly; like a “Tilt-a Whirl” carnival ride. One of my favorites as a nine-year old, but lately I am ready to step off and regain some stability. Like most of us we have developed our menu of self-care from being out in nature, family connection or reading; all good but it does take some time and effort.
This one is easy, affordable, and simple: breathing. Often, we overlook and take for granted this powerful tool for self-calming and stress reduction.
It just takes a moment, and a little practice, to get back into a calm state. Ah yes, practice is the key.
Take a minute, breathe deeply from your diaphragm, your stomach should expand outward. My yoga teacher Tulya calls this the “beautiful Buddha” belly. Then exhale long and slow. Do this several times over a minute or so. This is a great simple technique to slow down and activate your “Vagus Nerve” that, when stimulated, interrupts flight and fight response.
Here are two articles that give more information:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/ease-anxiety-and-stress-take-a-belly-breather-