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As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, the Art of Living is offering free meditation and breathwork sessions nationwide.
Everyone can benefit from learning these techniques to enhance their wellbeing.
The Art of Living Foundation is offering free online group breath and meditation sessions for Mental Health Awareness Week, October 6-12.
Art of Living New Zealand national co-ordinator, Andrew Melville, says the sessions provide a wonderful opportunity to build on this year’s theme, Top Up Together.
“Research shows that connecting with others and taking part in group activities contributes significantly to our wellbeing.”
This year, Mental Health Awareness Week is shining a light on the collective aspect of mental health, as recent research shows that a shared, community-based approach to wellbeing yields the most sustained, long-term benefits.
He says social connection is crucial for our wellbeing. It brings purpose and a sense of belonging to our lives, helps us feel valued, and makes us happier and more secure.
Evidence shows that activities involving social interaction matter — actions like volunteering, shared learning, physical activity, cultural practices, and community.
Melville says a systematic review of 58 clinical trials has revealed that regulated breathing practices, such as slow diaphragmatic breathing and alternate-nostril breathing, often led to significant decreases in psychometric measures of stress and anxiety.”
“These breath techniques are easy to learn and easy to practice, any place any time, for all ages and levels of fitness.”
The Art of Living Foundation in New Zealand is a volunteer organisation that regularly teaches and runs group breathwork and meditation sessions around the country and online each week.
Anyone wishing to take part in one of these free online sessions held daily at 12pm and 7pm, from Monday, October 6 to Friday, October 10 can register here.
Tips to breathe well
Research shows effective breathing techniques have a positive impact on a range of health conditions, from sleep and anxiety to blood pressure, lung and heart conditions.
Take a moment in your day to be still with eyes closed and observe your breath.
Even pausing for 2 – 3 minutes to observe and settle your breath is worthwhile. Breathe in through the nostrils and breathe out through the mouth. This allows you to gently regulate your breathing.
Breathe gently, not forcefully. Imagine you smell the fragrance of a flower.
Try this technique:
- Sit upright in a comfortable position.
- Consciously relax your whole body.
- Inhale slowly for a count of four, filling up your lungs completely.
- Exhale slowly for a count of four to six, emptying your lungs completely.
- Continue this practice for 5 to 10 minutes.
