Our breath and our heart are strongly connected. Did you know that you can control your heart rate through breath?

There is a lot to learn about your heart and yourself. All you have to do is take the time to sit down and take a deep breath.

For this Valentine's Day, I want to share a couple of breathing and visualization exercises with you that are all about the heart. No partner necessary (although I included a few exercises you can do together).

These breathing and visualization exercises are a great way to strengthen the heart (through increased heart rate variability), create stronger sense of self and build empathy towards all living beings.

So, open your heart and dive straight into these deep exercises. You'll love them!

February is the heart month. It’s that time where we pay special attention to the heart and all things related to the heart, including Valentine’s Day and love.

The affairs of the heart can get complicated - as it takes two to tango. Instead, let’s focus on something that we all can benefit from: self-love and self-control.

In light of this month, I want to share this neat little exercise called “Feel Your Heart”. How appropriate.

This powerful visualization exercise brings you in touch with the rhythm of your heart and, once in sync, let’s you lower your heart rate - with the power of the mind:          

Feeling out of sorts is something that happens to everyone; especially in the fast-paced world we live in today.

The truth is that in our lives, we have to reinvent ourselves multiple times. 

This happens naturally, e.g. when you become a parent, or for outside reasons (e.g. you are laid off as your industry goes through rapid changes and companies have to reinvent themselves; just like you do).

It is understandable that the first place to look is inside yourself, especially if it concerns a breakup. Afterall, while you can't always control your environment, you can learn to control yourself.

Just remember, we all go through this process multiple times. The answer does lie inside of you; but instead of being critical of yourself, be kind to yourself.

The following breathing exercise  look deep inside and center yourself (and your breathing) for a strengthened sense of self:                                    

Our nervous system & brain do not communicate in words, morse code or smoke signals.

The language du jour are neurotransmitters like serotonin, GABA and dopamine.

The presence (or lack of) these little chemical compounds have a profound effect on our state of mind and well-being.

Breathwork exercises are also a very effective way to increase neurotransmitters, and thereby increasing our focus, mood and motivation.

If you like more of that in your life, it is a good idea to carve out some time in your day to sit down and do a few minutes (or more) of conscious breathing.

It is like reading a beautiful poem to your brain - and it is safe to say - breathwork is the love language of the mind. 💌

Need help composing your own song for a balanced mind?

The following breathing exercise helps you balance serotonin, GABA, and dopamine:                           

This is a great exercise to do when you can’t be together at the time and want to amplify that feeling where you are soaring in the clouds.

Don't have a Valentine?

The exercise will work just as well (and warm your heart) if you think of someone you really care about, even if that is your cat (or horse).  

Breathing together is a powerful way to build intimacy and connection. It helps mend a fracture between to people and allow both to remind themselves why they are together.

With this exercise you can create a flow where you and your partner complete the cycle of breathing together.

This effect is not just limited to lovers. A brand-new study shows that sharing joy through synchronized breathing builds empathy and better understanding; the perfect exercise for any team.