How to Coach Yourself and Others Essential Knowledge For Coaching | Page 486
to handle any situation with grace, and with minimal stress on our body.
9. Breathing Relaxation Techniques
Most of us are shallow breathers, and air only stays in the top of our
lungs. Deep breathing exercises will get more oxygen into our brains,
and into the rest of our body. Try this:
Sit up straight in your chair, or stand up.
Loosen up clothing, especially if your stomach feels tight.
Inhale through your nose. Exhale through your mouth.
Put one hand on your abdominal area (over your belly).
When you inhale, feel your hand expanding as air is filled up in your
diaphragm.
When you exhale, feel your hand retracting to the initial placement.
Count in your mind the number of inhales and exhales, and
gradually level them off such that both take equal counts.
Slowly, add a count to your exhale.
Keep adding a count to your exhale until the count for exhales
doubles that of the count for inhales.
Repeat this breathing rhythm for 5 to 10 times.
Keep your eyes closed in silence for a few minutes afterwards.
10. Laughter!
We cannot laugh and be upset at the same time. When we make the
physical movement required to laugh or smile, we instantly feel lighthearted and joyful.
Try it now: give me that beautiful smile of yours. I want a genuine and
large smile now! J How do you feel? Do you feel an instant jolt of joy?
Did you temporarily forget about your problems?
List out a series of movies that make you laugh and stock them up at
home. Or meet up with a humorous friend who can really get you
laughing. For my friend going through the divorce, I prescribed Episode
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