Are you feeling anxious?
Here's a quick Franklin Method exercise for breathing.
By the time this week’s newsletter hits your inbox, it’ll be the morning after Election Day here in the United States.
If you’re feeling some anxiety, I’d love to share a quick Franklin Method exercise that helps with breathing and activating the parasympathetic nervous system. This embodiment focuses on the movement of the diaphragm (the primary muscle involved in breathing) when we exhale.
Take your right hand to your left side ribs.
Brush or tap up and down the ribs to wake up the sensory receptors in your skin, muscles, and joints (a.k.a. proprioceptors).
Inhale. As you are able, lift the left arm up overhead.
Make a hissing “S” sound as you exhale while bending to the right.
Tap or brush the left ribs while you side-bend to the right.
Inhale as you come back to a neutral stance. Repeat 2-3 times.
Lower the left arm. Notice if it feels more expansive or easier to breathe on the left side compared to the right.
Repeat the whole sequence on the right side.
When you exhale, the diaphragm eccentrically contracts, often referred to as lengthening. We exaggerate that lengthening by side-bending in this exercise. To make it even more potent, try imagining that the ribs open like a fan as you bend to the opposite side.
This is a great exercise to do before performing or whenever you’re feeling anxious. I love how it helps me feel more grounded and improves my body awareness.
Take good care of yourself this week!
If this is the first time we’re meeting virtually, hello! My name is Erika, and I’m a violinist, teacher, and certified Franklin Method Educator. My mission is to rethink traditional teaching approaches to help musicians play with confidence and ease. If this resonates with you, here’s how you can connect with me:
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