Counsels on Mental Health

Counsel #6 — Deep Breathing

Picture: Counsel #6 — Deep Breathing CMH 8.1

Deep breathing while focusing on God's power can assist you in focusing and managing stress before any important event, such as a speech, musical recital, exam, job interview, negotiation, or sporting event.^[6] If you are new to deep breathing, here’s a simple exercise: CMH 8.2

Lie or sit comfortably, with your back supported.
Place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest.
Breathe in deeply through your nose, feeling your stomach rise.
Breathe out slowly through your mouth, feeling your stomach fall.
Continue breathing deeply and slowly for several minutes.
As you breathe, focus on relaxing your body, starting with your toes and working your way up.

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2 NKJV CMH 8.3

“The lungs should be allowed the greatest freedom possible. Their capacity is developed by free action; it diminishes if they are cramped and compressed…. especially in sedentary pursuits of stooping at one’s work. In this position it is impossible to breathe deeply. Superficial breathing soon becomes a habit, and the lungs lose their power to expand.” Ellen White in The Ministry of Healing, p. 272.2 CMH 8.4

Reflect: What do you know about the physical and mental benefits of deep breathing? CMH 8.5