by Justin Standfield
Tracing ‘star breaths‘ with your finger is a simple and effective way to improve your wellbeing in those moments when you need something instantly. This practice involves tracing the shape of a star with your finger while taking smooth, deep breaths. The act of tracing the star helps to focus your mind, while the deep breaths help to calm your body by stimulating your parasympathetic nervous system.
The parasympathetic nervous system is sometimes referred to as the ‘rest and digest’ state because it’s responsible for activities that occur when your body is at rest; it functions in an opposite way to the sympathetic nervous system, which stimulates activities associated with the ‘flight or fight’ response.
To begin, find a comfortable seated position and extend your arm in front of you. Use your index finger to trace the shape of a star, starting at one of the points and moving in a continuous motion around the star. As you trace the star, take a deep inhale, hold the breath for a few seconds and then exhale slowly.
Repeat this process for several minutes, focusing on the sensation of your finger tracing the star and the rhythm of your breath. This practice can be undertaken anytime, anywhere and can be particularly helpful during times of stress or anxiety.
Download our Star Breathing Worksheet.
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