MIND YOUR BREATH

The Breathing Anchor

INTRO AND CHALLENGE 

Do you remember those situations when you suddenly felt a rush of discomfort and nervousness? Maybe a conversation you were having with your boss turned out to become increasingly unpleasant. Or maybe you were about to join an extremely important and probably difficult meeting. How would it be to have a simple tool that helps you to instantly become more centred and focused? 

WHAT

The Breathing Anchor can do exactly this for you. The Breathing Anchor is an exercise in which you focus on your breath for a few seconds and consciously take a few deep breaths. This is a very simple mindfulness technique that you can do wherever you are and at any time. 

WHY 

Research shows that focusing on the breath decreases activity in areas of the brain responsible for stress and anxiety and increases activity in areas responsible for clear and rational thinking[1]. The breathing anchor will strengthen your ability to be mindful, relaxed and focused. 

HOW 

Make minding your breath the theme of the day and observe your breath in different situations throughout the day: 

• Direct your attention to your breath for a few seconds 
• Notice how the ribcage rises and falls 
• Observe: Are my breaths deep or shallow? 
• Take a few long and deep breaths 

Observe the effect of becoming aware of your breath from time to time. You can use the Breathing Anchor whenever you feel stressed or nervous. 

And/or: 

Do a practical exercise right now to get to know your breath better. We invite you to do the Wave Breath exercise with the help of the TLEX FLOW App. This will help you to implement the Breathing Anchor in daily life more easily, as you will experience and train observing the breath. In the app go to: @breath -> Wave Breath

For today’s challenge, make minding your breath the theme of the day and become aware of your breath throughout the day. And/or do the Wave Breath exercise with the help of the TLEX FLOW App to get to know your breath better. This will help you to implement the Breathing Anchor in daily life more easily, as you will experience and train observing the breath.