Just BREATHE and Let Go

"It's a Life Worth Living - 30-Day Challenge" by @missionsavealife

🌟 "Breathe in the beauty all around you, exhale the stress within you."

Mindful breathing can be incredibly healing, helping us to manage stress and find calm in our daily lives.

Each day of the challenge focus on a breathing technique that helps you be present, reflect, let go of what no longer serves you and choose how you want to show up in the world that day.  We recommend starting each day’s activity with this technique to ground yourself and calm your mind.

Learning to Pause:

Place your hand in the identified location, repeat each phrase while breathing slowly and deeply and reflect on the suggested action. 

1. Place your hands on your stomach.
   Say: Just Breathe.
   Take a couple slow deep breaths in and out and feel your diaphragm fill up and empty. Center yourself in the present moment and focus on your breath.

2. Place your hands on your heart.
   Say: Be Kind.
   Continue breathing slowly and deeply. Acknowledge what you are feeling, forgive yourself for any negative thoughts, smile, and express gratitude for awareness.

3. Open your hands in front of you.
   Say: Let Go.
   Continue breathing slowly and deeply. Imagine all your worries and negative thoughts letting go. Release unhelpful emotions, thoughts or reactions.

4. Put your fingertips on your forehead or temples.
   Say: Choose.
   Continue breathing slowly and deeply. Set your intention for how you want to show up today.

The Importance of Focused Breathing:

Taking the time to practice focused breathing can significantly improve our mental and emotional well-being. It allows us to center ourselves, reduce stress, and find a moment of peace amidst the chaos of everyday life.

Mindful Breathing Exercises:

• Deep Breathing: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Take a deep breath in through your nose, hold it for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat for several minutes.

• Box Breathing: Inhale for a count of four, hold your breath for four seconds, exhale for four seconds, and hold again for four seconds. Repeat the cycle for a few minutes.

• 4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale quietly through your nose for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of seven, and exhale completely through your mouth for a count of eight. Repeat the cycle for a few minutes.

• Just Breathe, Be Kind, and Let Go: Throughout the day, whenever moments of stress or frustration hit, remember our mantra: "Just breathe, be kind, let go and choose." This simple practice can help you reset, find your center, and approach challenges with a calm mind.

Today's Challenge:

We challenge you to share a photo or video of you enjoying a moment of mindful breathing. It could be during a walk in the park, practicing one of the breathing exercises mentioned above, or simply taking a break to breathe deeply.

Post your moment on social media with the hashtag #LifeWorthLiving and tag us @missionsavealife. Let's inspire each other to live and breathe intentionally.