Hey there, I'm Julia Cartwright, and I'm so glad you're here with me today. Whether you're squeezing this in before work, during a chaotic afternoon, or somewhere in between, I want you to know that taking even these next few minutes for yourself is already an act of courage. So let's just sit together, okay?
Find a comfortable seat wherever you are right now. You don't need to be perfect about this. If you're at your desk, that works. On your couch, even better. Just somewhere your body can feel supported. And if you're standing, that's fine too. Let your shoulders drop away from your ears like you're setting down a heavy bag you've been carrying.
Now, I want you to notice your breath. Not to change it, not yet. Just notice it. Where do you feel it? Your nose? Your chest? Your belly? There's no wrong answer here. You're just becoming aware of this natural rhythm that's been supporting you all day long.
When we're stressed, our breath gets shallow and tight, like we're holding our breath through life. So here's what we're going to do. I want you to breathe in through your nose for a count of four. Really feel the cool air coming in. One, two, three, four.
Now hold it there for four counts. You're safe. You're supported.
And exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of six. Longer exhale. This tells your nervous system that everything is okay. That you can let go.
Let's do that again. In for four. Hold for four. Out for six. And again. In for four. Hold for four. Out for six.
Keep going with this rhythm. Your job right now is simply to count and breathe. When your mind wanders, and it will, that's not failure. That's just your brain being a brain. Gently bring it back to the count. In for four. Hold. Out for six.
Beautiful. You're doing this.
Here's something I want you to remember as you move through your day: you can return to this breath anytime. When you're in a meeting and feel tension rising, when you're about to send that email you might regret, when stress creeps up like uninvited weather. Four counts in. Four counts hold. Six counts out. It's your reset button, and it's always with you.
Thank you so much for practicing with me today on Stress Relief. If this resonated with you, please subscribe so you never miss another moment we can share together. You deserve this peace, and I'm honored to be part of your journey.
Until next time, breathe easy.
For great deals today, check out https://amzn.to/47ZqpWT
