Coaching Corner: Are you breathing?
By "Coach" Marilou Butcher Roth
Yes, I know you are breathing, otherwise you would not be reading this blog post! We as humans, however, do not completely access our full breath very often -- if at all. Why do we need to be breathing differently you may ask. Well, there are a multitude of reasons with one that might catch your attention -- stress relief! We need to move more oxygen through our bodies for them to work at their best. There has been tremendous research done on the subject and I was fortunate enough to work with one of my mentors, Gay Hendricks, who is an expert on this subject.
So, this week, I am going to give you written instruction on how to increase the flow of oxygen in your body. First, position yourself at the end of your seat so that your pelvis has the ability to move. You will be combining your breath with a movement of your spine as follows:
As you inhale fully through your nose, bringing the breath up all the way from your belly, allow your head to come up and your spine to arch as your pelvis rolls forward, bringing the breath all the way up into your chest. On the exhale, again through your nose, you roll your pelvis back and curl your body in towards itself, bringing the breath down from your chest into your belly. Ideally, take 4-5 counts for the inhale and 4-5 for the exhale. Try not to stop but keep the breath flowing in and out.
This breath is something you can use when you are stressed, and more importantly, you can most effectively use it in a pro-active way. I suggest tossing your feet over the side of the bed when you awaken, and engaging in conscious breathing for 2-3 minutes. This should feel good, think about allowing rather than “doing it right.†This practice sets the tone for the rest of the day, bringing energy into your body first thing!
Feel free to practice throughout the day, gauging your range of movement situationally. Many times I find myself during meetings engaging in this breathing practice in a very subtle way that is unnoticeable to those around me.
Happy breathing!!
Marilou Butcher Roth
Marilou Butcher Roth is the owner of The MBR Group, a coaching and training company working primarily with REALTORS who have a desire to work and live from a more inspired place. She is also the Broker/Owner of Group REALTORS in Cincinnati.
Marilou is a member of the Ohio REALTORS Board of Directors and past chairman of the organization’s Communications Committee.
