By Susi Hately B.Sc. Kinesiology, C-IAYT Yoga Therapist

With the day-to-day ‘to dos’, errands, and meetings it can be difficult to find ways to incorporate open and easy breathing. The following exercise can be done anywhere – at work, in the elevator, before falling asleep, waiting to pick up kids. . .

It can take as little as 2 minutes.

1. Place one hand at your solar plexus, just below the bottom of your breast bone. Notice if there is movement of this part of your body as you breathe in and out (try not to change it, just watch and feel).

2. Next, while looking forward focus singularly on a point. Be very exclusive and very focused. Does the movement change? Does your breath become more shallow?

3. Shift your gaze to become more inclusive. Maintain the focus, but be gentler. Open up your vision to include the periphery, sensing your vision forward and to the side. Did your breath change?

Why do this: When we hold or are limited in breathing, the diaphragm is usually impeded in some way. By changing how we focus with our eyes, we can shift the rib cage, diaphragm, belly and pelvic floor, allowing for a more full and expansive breath.

Enjoy,

Susi

Your body changes from day to day, and you alone know your body best. Please be responsible with it, move with awareness and in a range that doesn’t increase pain.