This post is about how to cultivate feelings of appreciation through the practice of mindful breathing exercises.
Negativity is all around, from the news and your workplace to even those closest to you. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with sadness, anxiety, and stress – forgetting about everything good in life. Thankfully there is an effective way for you to find peace in the chaos – mindful breathing exercises! Taking just a few minutes out of your day to focus on your breath can help you to settle into yourself and allow space for moments of calm. These exercises can be invaluable in cultivating feelings of appreciation and gratitude amidst difficult times.
If you’re a working mom and feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed, mindful breathing can help. It’s more than just taking some deep breaths- there is scientific evidence that it activates the vagus nerve which calms your nervous system. Plus, when you focus on your breath, it’s impossible to think about anything else at the same time. Try mindful breathing when you’re feeling overwhelmed and see how much better you feel afterward!
Incredible Power of Mindful Breathing Exercises
Why we should focus on feelings of appreciation
As a working mother, you know that life can be overwhelming at times. But when you take the time to appreciate what you have and stay optimistic, it can make all the difference in your outlook on life. It’s a domino effect – by bringing positivity into your own life, you spread it to those around you. Taking a moment to appreciate the good things in your life can help you be more fulfilled and make your days brighter. Let yourself have those moments of appreciation and see how it helps!
What are some things we can be grateful for in our lives?
You, as a working mother, can feel grateful for so much in your life: the people who support you and provide loving care to your children, every experience that shapes not only your perspectives but also those of your family, and all of the opportunities available to you to make a difference. Even when life brings challenges and hardships, finding gratitude in moments both big and small can help lead to a more positive outlook as you tackle each day. Celebrate the little things, like the first signs of spring, or taking a moment at the end of a busy day to appreciate all that you have accomplished. Possessing an attitude of thankfulness opens up the potential for more joy and appreciation throughout your lives, both yours and your family’s!
Here is a small list to get you started:
-Family and friends
-Your health
-The opportunity to learn something new
-Being able to express yourself creatively
-Having a job or hobby that brings you joy
-Nature, animals, or the outdoors
-Accomplishments, no matter how big or small
-Experiences of beauty both inside and out
-The people who have helped you along the way
-The ability to make someone smile
-Kind words from a stranger
-A beautiful sunrise or sunset
-A warm hug when you need it most
-Being able to take time for yourself
-Having the freedom to pursue your passions
-An unexpected act of kindness
-The feeling of accomplishment after finishing a task
-A heartfelt compliment from a friend or colleague
-The sound of laughter shared between friends
-Having a safe place to call home
-A moment of stillness and solace in everyday life.
Photo by James Wheeler:
How mindful breathing exercises can help us cultivate gratitude
As a working mother, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the chaos of everyday life and forget about taking time for yourself. Yet, mindful breathing exercises can be a great way to pause and recognize how much there is to be grateful for. For instance, taking even just a few moments each day to observe your breath can help you become more in tune with yourself, allowing you to appreciate all the blessings and beauty around you. With practice, mindful breathing exercises can open up your heart to a deeper level of understanding and appreciation for life’s gifts. So be sure to take this special break from your busy day – a pause for gratitude – and enjoy its rewards!
Photo by Eva Bronzini
A step-by-step guide to the mindful breathing exercise
The mindful breathing exercise for appreciation is a simple yet powerful practice to bring a sense of gratitude and peace into your life.
The following steps will guide you through the process:
First, find yourself in a quiet space where you can focus on your breath without any distractions. Sit comfortably or lie down, whichever feels more natural to you.
Take a few moments to notice your body and how it feels, noticing any points of tension or tightness and allowing them to soften and relax. Once you feel relaxed, begin to focus on your breath.
Inhale deeply through the nose for a count of four. Feel the air enter your lungs and expand your belly as you inhale. Exhale through the mouth for a count of four, releasing any excess air from your lungs and allowing your belly to relax inward.
Repeat this cycle several times, setting an intention each time you exhale. You can focus on appreciation for yourself, others, or something in the world around you. As you let go of each exhale, allow yourself to feel gratitude for what is present in your life.
Continue this mindful breathing practice for several minutes and then slowly draw your attention away from the breath. Notice how you feel afterward and if possible, take a few moments to simply sit in appreciation of the moment. If intruding thoughts come up, don’t judge them instead, embrace them and acknowledge their presence before releasing them.
At the end of your practice, take a few moments to set an intention for the day. It could be something as simple as “I am grateful for this moment” or “My heart is open to receive love”. Setting a positive intention can help keep your mind focused on the things that you are appreciative of, no matter what may come up throughout the day.
The mindful breathing exercise for appreciation can be practiced anytime throughout the day and can be powerfully calming and healing. In times of stress or anxiety, this exercise can help bring a sense of peace and calm back into your life.
Photo by Tatiana Syrikova
The benefits of practicing gratitude regularly
While it may feel unnatural at first, it gets easier with practice. Studies have shown that taking time each day to shift focus from complaints and negativity to things you are grateful for brings about lasting benefits such as improved mental health, better relationships, and lower levels of stress. Gratitude is an ongoing practice that can bring immense joy and satisfaction to your life. It’s a journey that will go through peaks and troughs, but no matter where you’re at, practicing gratitude can be an invaluable tool in maintaining your mental health. So why not make it part of your life today? You’ll soon find yourself filled with more peace and joy than ever before!
As a busy mom, making time to practice gratitude can have a profoundly positive impact on your mental and physical health. Investing a mere five minutes of your day to be mindful and reflect on what you are thankful for can open up countless opportunities, allowing you to pursue your aspirations more. Why not try it today? Overall you may find that regular practice enables you to appreciate the small blessings in life – things that could previously have been taken for granted. Take a break and exercise gratitude; it is worth your time!
FAQ
Q: How often should I practice gratitude?
A: It is important to make gratitude part of your daily routine, however, the frequency and length of each practice are up to you. You may find that a few minutes in the morning or evening can help set a tone of appreciation throughout your day. Alternatively, a longer meditation session can be more beneficial if you have more time. Above all, experiment and find the perfect balance for you.
Q: What is the best way to practice gratitude?
A: The best way to practice gratitude is whatever works for you! Some people prefer focusing on mindful breathing, while others may focus on writing in a gratitude journal or listing out
Q: What are 3 examples of what mindful breathing can do for the body?
A: Mindful breathing can help reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, and increase overall relaxation. Deep inhalations and exhalations can also provide energy to the body by increasing oxygen levels in the blood. Additionally, focusing on your breath helps bring your awareness to the present moment which promotes inner peace and calmness.
Q: What is the difference between mindful breathing and meditation?
A: Mindful breathing is a component of meditation, but it is not the same thing. Meditation usually includes focused awareness on the breath and body in order to reach a deeper state of relaxation and stillness. Mindful breathing can be done in short bursts throughout the day to bring awareness back to the present moment and reduce stress levels. It can also be used as a way to prepare for deeper meditation.
Q: How can gratitude help me in my everyday life?
A: Practicing gratitude helps us appreciate the present moment and have a greater appreciation for the people, places, and things that make our lives meaningful. Gratitude encourages us to focus on what we have instead of what we do not, which can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Practicing gratitude can also open us up to more joy and positivity in our lives, as it reminds us to be thankful for the blessings we already have.
Have you tried appreciation breathing exercises? What are some things you are grateful for? Let me know in the comments!
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