No one enjoys bad breath...

The breath is a behavior. It allows our physiology to inform our psychology.

Sometimes we need to brush up on our breath and freshen up in a given moment. The breath is a beautiful way to provide more peace and power in our lives.

The inhale is where we take in life, and the exhale has us giving back to life. When life has us in excess stress we may end up taking too much and not giving away what we want. Making time for as little as 90 seconds of a breath break might be what helps to clear our heads, hearts, and hopes for what is present and what's to come.

So let's talk about a few fun ways to press pause and play.

A burst with bahhhh. Think of how it feels when pressure builds but then there's a release. The bahhhh is the tone expressing relief. Sound can be a calming addition to the breath. The sound of bahhhh with a bounce can bring delight and play...bahahahah!

Practicing this breath can be fun, and putting it into play in real time can help not only lighten your load, but also be an offering to others. Laughter is medicine so add a little if needed.

Sucking the breath up with a straw is a practice of slowing down the breath, but still breathing in through the mouth allowing the breath to be "full" or "big" but without the overwhelm because of the added element of control.

The suck allows a firm brace below the bellybutton where you begin, but as you reach the ribs don't remain rigid up top. Allow the ribs to soften and expand outward rather than using the neck and shoulders to pull upward.

The exhale hug is a firm and soft practice of slowing down and holding yourself while also adding an extra squeeze at the end if you took on too much in a given moment. Make this exhale a slow 8 seconds, similar to the oxytocin 8 second hug that you would give a loved one.

Next we have the nose thank you. Similar to "No thank you" when you have had too much and someone offers you more, but you are satisfied and feeling "full", the nose limits how much you take in a breath while also strengthening the diaphram. Adding the behavior of a subtle smile can be the silent satisfaction that is communicated both inward and outward.

Lastly lets talk about a take and toss. This is a breath practice with a twist...literally. The inhale is automatic, but the exhale happens as you twist and "pff" from left to right. Think of this as a way to weed out what keeps showing up and isn't what's needed now.

Here's to a life of power and better health by taking breaks and finding a breath of fresh air. I'll meet you on the exhale...