Counselling, could learning breath be just what you need?

Learning to breathe is essential. It alows you become aware of your body, where you are holding stress.

Did you know that breathing helps calm the nervous system? Focusing on regulating your breath can help you to calm your mind. Breathing can help tap into your inner calm, being beneficial to everything from your stressed out nervous system to how well you sleep at night.

Learning to breath is a great start in recognizing your body and understanding what it needs. A simple technique is inhaling to the count of 4, holding for the count of 7 and exhaling to the count of 8, also known as the 4-7-8 Technique . Repeat this three to five times and recognized the physical release.

Some counselors are able to help you develop other diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation techniques. These allow you to enhance body awareness and reduce stress.

 Below is a great image of the 4-7-8 Technique

Deep, rhythmic breathing may have multiple benefits, including but not limited to:

• Reducing anxiety
• Helping a person get to sleep
• Managing your cravings
• Reducing anger responses

 Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Your sympathetic nervous system is responsible for your body's" fight or flight" response. When you are stressed, you will notice things like your heart begins to beat faster, your breathing becomes more shallow and things like noticing that your hands are sweaty or you have an upset stomach.

 Your parasympathetic nervous system is "rest and digest" this system is responsible for relaxing your sympathetic nervous system. Breathing techniques are incredibly helpful in reducing sympathetic stress.

Its important to remember that counselling is not a one size fits all approach. When looking for a counsellor, searching for opportunities where complementay discovery calls are offered, is a great way to get to know a counsellor before you make an appointment to ensure a great fit.

Counselling is a pillar in prevention, it's important to the overall health of families to be proactive about our mental health and well-being.

I will leave you with this thought, going to a counsellor or therapist when you're sad or overwhelmed should be as normal as going to the doctor when you have the flu. Lets end the stigma and change the narrative about mental health.

We are here to help.

Exeter Massage and Integrative Care