I’m in Wellington Street if you wish to see me, meantime you may want to try this exercise. I am passionate about teaching exercises that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, It’s opposite, the sympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “fight or flight” response, can lead to significant stress when it remains activated, the good news is that by engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, we can effectively inhibit the activation of the stress response.
The body does not simultaneously operate both the stress response and the relaxation response. When we stimulate the “rest and restore” functions of the parasympathetic nervous system, the sympathetic response is naturally downregulated.
For those seeking additional techniques for managing anxiety, I offer a comprehensive online course filled with natural methods.
https://www.susanjamieson.com/anxietytreatments
However, here is a simple exercise that can provide immediate benefits:
THE SNAKE BREATH EXERCISE- a natural solution for anxiety
- Positioning**: Lie on your back on a flat surface without a pillow. Extend your legs straight out and place your hands gently on your belly.
- . **Breathing Technique**: Inhale normally through your nose. Then, exhale slowly through your mouth while producing a soft “S” sound. The goal is to extend the duration of your exhalation as much as possible while maintaining the gentle sound. As you exhale, consciously draw your belly down toward the floor, expelling all the air from your lungs.
- **Breath Retention**: This next step may be challenging. Hold your breath out for as long as you comfortably can. When you feel the need to inhale, take a deep gulp of air.
- **Repetition**: After a couple of normal breaths, repeat the process. Aim to practice this exercise four times: upon waking in the morning, during the middle of the day, and before going to bed. This practice will help reset your parasympathetic nervous system, encouraging it to become the predominant and controlling force in your body. Additionally, it can enhance your stress management throughout the day and improve your sleep quality
