Breathing Exercises to help with Depression
Get tips and advice on how to use breathing exercises to help manage depression.
HELPING WITH DEPRESSION
If you're struggling with depression, you know it can be a difficult and isolating experience, you feel like you are drowning while everyone around you is breathing. But there is hope! Breathing exercises are increasingly an effective tool to help manage the symptoms of depression. At Just Breathe, we look at what depression is, the benefits of breathing exercises for mental health, and tips and mental health classes, at our New Zealand mindfulness retreats, on how to get started using them. So if you're looking for an alternative way to take control of your mental well-being, read on.
What is depression?
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness and hopelessness that can last for weeks or months. It affects both the body and mind and can make it difficult to function in everyday life. Symptoms of depression include difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, low energy levels, lack of motivation, and feelings of worthlessness.
Breathing Exercises for depression
Breathing exercises are an effective way to reduce stress and help manage the symptoms of depression. They involve focusing on your breath and learning how to control it so that you can relax your body and mind. This can be done either by taking deep breaths or by doing specific breathing exercises such as alternate nostril breathing or 4-7-8 breathing. Here are a few breathing tips:
- Start slowly – don’t try to do too much at once. Start with a few minutes each day and gradually increase the length of time you practice.
- Establish a routine – make sure that you set aside a certain amount of time every day to practice your breathing exercises. This will help you stay consistent and reap the benefits in the long run.
- Create a calming environment – find a quiet place to practice where you won’t be disturbed or distracted by external stimuli. Light some candles, play some soothing music, or use essential oils to create an atmosphere that is conducive to relaxation and mindfulness.
- Focus on the breath – during your breathing exercises, focus your attention on the sensation of your breath entering and exiting your body. Notice how it feels as air moves in and out of your lungs and belly.
- Use visualization – visualizing a peaceful scene or a calming color can also help you to relax and stay focused on your breath.
Finally, be patient – like anything else, mastering breathing exercises takes practice, so don’t expect results right away. Stick with it and you will eventually start to see the benefits!
"Conscious breathing is the best antidote to stress, anxiety and depression." Amit Ray
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