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The Power of Breathing Exercises: A Guide to Relaxation and Mindfulness

What exactly are breathing exercises?

Breathing exercises, also known as breathwork, are intentional techniques that help you control your breath to induce a sense of relaxation and calm in both your mind and body. You’ve likely encountered breathwork in yoga classes, guided meditations, or wellness apps like Headspace. These techniques aren’t limited to wellness activities; they can be practiced whenever you need to manage stress effectively.

When you’re anxious, you may notice that your breathing becomes shallow and rapid, often through the mouth and into the upper lungs. This type of breathing restricts airflow and can exacerbate feelings of tension or discomfort. Deep breathing and breathwork can help counteract these effects by promoting relaxation. Research suggests that intentional deep breathing can improve focus and attention, allowing you to respond more skillfully to stressful situations.

How do you practice deep breathing exercises?

You can incorporate them into your daily routine or use them as needed during moments of stress. There are various breathing exercises to choose from, so find the ones that work best for you. Here are a few examples:

  1. Beginner’s Breathing: Count your breaths, inhaling through the nose to the count of 1, exhaling through the mouth to the count of 2, and so on.

  2. Lengthen Exhales: Slow down your heart rate and thoughts by making your exhales twice as long as your inhales. Inhale to the count of 3, exhale to the count of 6 (adjust counts to your comfort).

  3. Belly Breathing: Breathe slowly through the nose, allowing your belly to rise on inhale and fall on exhale. Place a hand on your stomach for better awareness.

  4. Box Breathing: Inhale, hold, exhale, and hold your breath for equal counts, creating a square pattern. For example, inhale to the count of 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and hold for 4 before inhaling again.

  5. Alternate Nostril Breathing: A yogic technique that balances the brain’s hemispheres. Inhale through the left nostril, close it, exhale through the right nostril, then inhale through the right nostril, close it, and exhale through the left nostril.

Once you’ve completed your deep-breathing exercises, return to your natural breathing pattern. Take a moment to notice how your body and mind feel after this self-care practice.

Breathing exercises are versatile tools that you can use to regain control in stressful situations, enhance mindfulness, and promote relaxation. Experiment with different techniques to discover what works best for you, and incorporate them into your daily routine for improved well-being.

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POV - a week at PARC 🏋️

Ever wondered what you can do in a week at PARC? Join us as we Spring into action. 

Monday – Powerzone ⚡️ 
Tuesday – Lap swimming 🏊‍♀️ 
Wednesday – Cycle class 🚴🏻 
Thursday – Reformer Pilates 🧘‍♀️ 
Friday – Gym and sauna 🧖 

Whether you love routine or you're looking to switch it up, a week at PARC is whatever you make it. No pressure, just progress at your pace. 

So, what does a week at PARC look like for you? 

Need some inspiration to get started check out our blog via the link in bio.

#PARCFrankston #SpringPace #Yourweek #YourPARC #Youchoose
Dive into swimming lessons and water safety! 🏊‍♀️ 

Enrol in a PARC Swim Start in-water assessment in time for term 4. 

Our PARC Swim Start in-water assessments allow you to: 

- Experience our PARC Swim program before your first lesson 
- Familiarise yourself with our pools and qualified teachers 
- Ensure your child (or you as an adult learner) is placed in the correct level for age and skill level 
- Secure the right time and day for your lesson, to suit your schedule 
- Enjoy specialised sign up directly with the PARC Swim Team 

To book into a PARC Swim Start call our friendly team on 9781 8444 or talk to our friendly team in Centre. 

#PARCFrankston #PARCSwim #SwimmingLessons #Learntoswim
Splash Island is almost here. 💦 

Splash Islands returns next Monday 22 September as a part of the PARC County Fair School holiday program. 

Our lifeguards have been training “hard” to ensure that Splash Island meets the minimum excitement and fun levels. We can safely say that is passes with flying colours. 

Bookings open this Friday so make you reserve your spot. 

For more information on our upcoming school holiday program please see our blog via the link in bio.

#PARCFrankston #SplashIsland #Schoolholidays #Family #Fun
From Member to Motivator 🚲 

9 years ago, Laura went from being a dedicated member at PARC to leading from the front as a Group Exercise instructor. 💪 

Every Saturday morning, you’ll find her running The Trip, delivering energy and motivation with a smile that keeps our members coming back week after week. 

Join Laura for Les Mills the Trip at 9.25am every Saturday. We hope to see you there. 

#PARCFrankston #Groupexercise #LesMills #TheTrip #LesMilltribe
🎪 Roll up, Roll up! It’s the PARC County Fair 🎪 
 
These school holidays we’ve planned the best party on the Peninsula, with hours of activities and entertainment kids of all ages will enjoy. 
 
🤩 Our inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island (bookings essential) 
☀️ Rafter waterslides 
💦 Aquatic Playground 
😎 Scavenger hunt 
🎈 Balloon entertainment and face painting 
🎪 Carnival games 
🙌 Prizes and giveaways 
 
Our PARC County Fair school holiday program will run from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Visit our website to learn more about pricing and booking information via the link in bio.

#PARCFrankston #PARCCountyFair #SchoolHolidays #thingstodofrankston #SplashIsland #Games #Fun
Father’s Day Gift Hampers 🎁 

Spoil your dad or special person this Father’s Day with a PARC Hamper. 

Hamper includes a PARC hoodie, towel, drink bottle, cap and resistance band. 

Come in Centre and grab yours today. 

#PARCFrankston #Fathersday #Hamper #spoilt

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