8 Simple Quotes On How To Reduce Stress...

By Tom Hasker, Associate Partner, Lighthouse International

How do we reduce stress in our lives? Let me ask you another question... did you know that 90% of us don't breathe properly? Breathing, like many of the body's processes, is something that in general we pay little conscious attention to, until there is a problem with it.

What would happen though, if we gave our breathing the deliberate attention that we give to checking our phones, or enjoying a drink for example? Could focusing on our breathing, the way we breathe, the depth to which we breathe, and how often or fast we breathe, help us to think more clearly? How about helping us to love, imagine, create... and indeed could our breathing actually help us become happier and more successful?

Here are 8 quotes from some known and less well-known legends about the importance of breathing well...

"To control the breathing is to control the mind. With different patterns of breathing, you can fall in love, you can hate someone, you can feel the whole spectrum of feelings just by changing your breathing."

- Marina Abramovic (Performance Artist)

"Breathing is the essence of life, breathe deeply, live fully."

- Gabriella Goddard (Executive Coach)

"I wake up every day and I think, 'I'm breathing! It's a good day.'"

- Eve Ensler (American Playright)

"Take a deep breath, it calms the mind."

- Anon

-Reduce the stress levels in your life through relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and exercise. You'll look and feel way better for it.- (1)

“Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again.”

- Thich Nhat Hanh (Tibetan Monk & Teacher)

And here's one that definitely puts a smile on my face...

"I'm often accused of saying some pretty rotten things about my mother-in-law. But quite honestly, she's only got one major fault - it's called breathing."

- Les Dawson (British Comedian)

Breathing well, and breathing deeply, can improve oxygenation of our blood, clarity of thought and our ability to focus. It affects all four main areas of living our lives; physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Imagine working on this one thing, that has benefits across the whole spectrum of our life and work!