Breathe...

As some of us transition from a life at home to a more “normal” time of commutes and office stress and change we must also be aware of the bridge between work and home. Even if we are still working from home it’s possible to create a separation between the two, an imaginary line if you will. And we can do it all with a few breaths.

Work, commutes, and just general stress can intensify the “fight-or-flight” response, which is something that can work to our advantage in those situations. However, when we come home we want to leave that aggression and focus outside. We want to move towards the “rest-and-digest” mode at home. We want to chill. Be present and loving and happy for our family.

While this all sounds well and good how do we achieve this change? Well, one of the simplest ways to create a shift is to utilize mindful breathing techniques.

After a long commute, or before you leave the home office for the living room take a minute and turn off any distractions. If you have a meditation app this would be a perfect time to use it. Then, while sitting tall focus on big nasal breathing. Filling the diaphragm and ribcage with air. Feel your lungs fill with air, observe sensations, and keep focus on the breath itself. If thoughts start to wander to work just bring them back to your breath.

Exhale fully. Let all the breath out, emptying your diaphragm as your belly button reaches towards your spine. Rinse and repeat.

This can be as simple as 10 breaths. With my clients we also employ some manual therapy techniques to assist in driving us into that resting state but breathing is a great start.

Be home, be calm, be present. You owe it to your family but, more importantly, you owe it to yourself.