Thrive in 3: 5 Finger Breathing #11

3 nuggets for thriving in the 3 mins it takes to brew your tea...

Dec 03, 2024

01 Tea Routine: 5 finger breathing

Life is fast these days...

It's all too easy to keep ploughing on until life forces you to come to an abrupt stop. The more stressed we become, the more often we can find ourselves seeking quick relief in unhealthy ways, such as snacking or indulging in alcohol.

The challenge is finding an accessible, healthy alternative that calms and centers us, particularly in those moments of high stress.

I discovered the "Five Finger Breathing" technique through Dr. Jud Brewer, a renowned behavioural neuroscientist and psychiatrist. This technique is so effective because it combines vision, breath, and touch, engaging multiple senses to divert the mind from stress. As I practiced tracing my fingers while focusing on my breathing, I found this method not only diverted my thoughts from the daily rush but also anchored me firmly in the moment.

Here’s how:

1. Hold your left hand out in front of you.

2. Place your right index finger on the outside edge of your left thumb at its base.

3. As you breathe in, trace your right index finger up the side of your left thumb until you get

to the tip.

4. Now, breathe out as you move your right index finger down the other side of your left

thumb.

5. Continue like this, tracing out each finger in turn, breathing in when going up and breathing out when going down.

Engaging in this practice daily during my tea brewing time transformed my stress response. Instead of reaching for transient comforts, I now have a reliable, quick method to regain my composure and clarity. This simple act of tracing and breathing doesn't just ease the mind; it draws us back into our bodies, making us present and mindful of the moment.

When used as a Tea Routine it’s doubly powerful especially if you’re present when making and drinking your tea… anchoring it as an opportunity to scan your body and mind and release any tension or stress.

My cup of choice today is a Fire element First Flush Darjeeling from Snow View garden in India to help me pause and make me feel more grounded and centered.

Have you tried integrating mindfulness practices into your daily tea routine to combat stress? Share your experiences or thoughts on how adopting such simple practices might enhance your day-to-day life.