I don't know about y'all, but it feels like we need to take a collective deep breath. I have struggled with anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember. It was not until college when I began to physically be affected by my mental health that I started to dig deeper and take action steps towards being #BlackandWell. Since then, and especially during COVID, I really focused on what wellness could look like for me. I started doing regularly yoga and dance classes, I had a garden, and really connected with so many of you all about honestly, all the things from therapy and Black girls on antidepressants to mask fashion and community building and mutual aid . 🫶🏾
These last few weeks have been feeling similar to that time. I am finding it necessary to prioritize being Black and Well, taking time to allow my body to feel and process, getting physically active, practicing gratitude and mindfulness. Which brings me to Black Girls Breathing, my all time favorite wellness tool, breath work!
Breath work, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is "conscious controlled breathing done especially for relaxation or therapeutic purposes." Breath work has allowed for me to ground myself in most situations where I have felt overwhelmed, and it has allowed for me to return to a normal flow of breath. It also allows for me to breathe deeply and intentionally.
Black Girls Breathing: Box Breathing ✨
Box breathing is a technique used to calm your brain. It helps you to take deep breaths, which relieve stress, calm your nervous system, and improve your mood. I was introduced to box breathing at several points in my life, but it wasn't until recent years that I realized the power of box breathing and breath work.
Step 1: Get in a comfortable seated position as you’re able to, place your hands on your lap, palms up.
Step 2: Slowly inhale through your nose and count to four.
Step 3: Hold your breath and count to four.
Step 4: Exhale through your mouth and count to four (highly recommended making a noise as you let the breath out).
Step 5: Hold your breath again for four counts.
Repeat as many times as you needed or until calm.
Check out Shelah Marie's Meditation mixtape, we love to use the four-part breathing exercise during our workshops and classes.
Remember to breathe,
I love this! Just did some box breathing 🌿