If you can’t seem to focus or find that you just need to feel more grounded as you go through your day, try this simple 1-3 minute exercise to shift your nervous system:
- Sit upright in a chair, shoulders relaxed down the back with your knees situated somewhat lower than your hips.
- Close your eyes and just notice where in your body you are feeling restlessness, an anxiety or an unsettled feeling.
- Now direct you awareness to breathing down into your belly for 3 or 4 cycles, purposely slowing down your exhalations.
- On the next breath, imagine that you are breathing these slower breaths right into the area of your body that is experiencing the restlessness, anxiety or unsettled feeling. If there is more than one area, breathe 3-4 cycles in the first area and then move on the next one needing attention.
- Before opening your eyes set an intention for your next task. One example is “I am now focused”.
- Open your eyes, slowly. Keep the connection to your breath as you move towards your next activity.