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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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Meet Aaron 👋 

Aaron has more than 17 years of Physio experience across a wide variety of clinical settings, including private practice and elite sports, spending 6 seasons at the Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club. 
 
Aaron also works part-time as a local distance running coach and loves to assist people in achieving their long-term functional goals. 

You can learn more about Aaron and the Davenport Physiotherapy team, located at PARC Allied Health Suites, through our website - Link in bio
 

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Daylight Savings Reminder ☀️⏰

Daylight savings start tomorrow!

Remember to set your clocks forward and to plan ahead if you've booked a class or plan on attending our centre tomorrow.

We hope to see you in centre soon.

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🚨 Waterslide closure 🚨

Please note that both Raft Waterslides will be closed for important structural works from Thursday 9 October until early December. 

The works will be completed on both waterslides, as well as the waterslide tower. 

We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. 

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Anywhere, anytime with PARC Plus. 📱

We've just added more content to our extensive PARC Plus library, giving you the power to work out when and where you want. Access your favourite new Les Mills classes whether your going away or spending time at home. 

Perfect for keeping pace with your workout routine! 

You can access PARC Plus through the TechnoGym app or via the link in bio

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Happy International Coffee Day! ☕️

Here’s to the brews that get us through. Whether it’s an espresso shot at sunrise or a slow pour in the afternoon, today we raise our mugs to our amazing cafe team who keep us all caffeinated

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Join us on Mondays & Fridays at 5:45am for a bootcamp style work out and Wednesdays at 6am for an all-abilities PARC Fit Run club. 🏃‍♀️
 
Reserve your spot for 8 weeks of energising sessions with experienced trainers and enjoy the beautiful surrounds of Frankston. 
 
See you next week as PARC Fit Outdoors makes its return for Spring. Limited spots available – secure your spot today via the website, link in bio
 
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Todays forecast - 100% chance of fun! 🌧🤣

It's the last week of the PARC County Fair and the it's perfect conditions for Splash Island. Enjoy 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
🙌 Prizes and giveaways

Our PARC County Fair school holiday program will run until Friday 3 October. Visit our website to learn more about pricing and booking information via the link in bio.

#PARCFrankston #PARCCountyFair #Schoolholidays #Family #Fun
🎪 1 week left of the PARC County Fair 🎪 

Don't miss 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 
🙌 Prizes and giveaways 

Our PARC County Fair school holiday program will run until Friday 3 October. Visit our website to learn more about pricing and booking information via the link in bio. 

#PARCFrankston #PARCCountyFair #Schoolholidays #Family #Fun

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