How are you feeling today?
Tense? Overwhelmed? Difficulties sleeping? Forgetting to take a breath?
If so, let’s take a moment…right now…to allow your mind, heart, and spine to connect with each other, otherwise known as “engaging your parasympathetic response.”
Get in a comfortable position. Sit down. Lay down. Whatever feels good to you.
Put your hand over your belly.
Take a deep breath in.
Imagine your breath entering your nose, traveling down into your belly.
Your breath is always your home base.
Along the way, oxygen bathes your spine, disc by disc.
As your breath enters your belly, your hand rises.
As you exhale, your hand falls.
Take your time.
Each breath, a little slower and deeper.
Little by little, your face, jaw, and neck soften.
Your shoulders come down.
Your belly settles.
Your mind might wander…thinking about the day ahead, or something that happened in the past. That’s okay.
Whenever you’re ready, kindly tell yourself, “Return to breath.” Then gently return to imagining your breath entering your nose, traveling into your belly.
If you feel like it, close your eyes. If not, slightly close your eyes and focus on a point in front of you.
Continue for 10 more breaths. Take your time.
May you have a blessed rest of your day,
Laura
Pro tip: Save this post and come back to it, any time you need.
Note: This and every Athlete Illuminated post is for educational purposes only and not a replacement for mental health treatment. If you are in urgent need of mental health support, please call 9-8-8. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room. For ongoing mental health concerns, consider seeking professional support or therapy.
The Athlete Psychotherapist 
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