I would be lying if I said things were easy right now….you probably agree.
I used to love going to the grocery store, Publix and Winn Dixie. Now, it’s not my favorite thing. Making a weekly run and getting stocked up can be a little stressful. Who would have thought?
Such simple things we have all taken for granted, make me think about something else we often take for granted…breathing. Yep, breathing.
Years ago, I had a manager who used to say, “Breath, just breath!” She used to say that when I would get upset about a situation with a client.
I thought it was so condescending. I would tune her out and go about with my angry venting internally. I was driving myself mad for hours on end. Often it filtered into the next day.
My sales manager didn’t mean to be condescending, and I actually liked her. In hindsight, I wished she would have explained more about the benefits of breathing, or I would have been wise enough to ask. I would have been happier as I would have been able to let go of situations faster.
Why do people overcomplicate simple things? I know there are many authors and doctors who have deeply studied breathing. When I read those articles, I seem to glaze over them.
In my opinion, the most significant part of any self-help or personal development is the recognition and then the daily practice so it becomes a habit which can then be life-changing.
So, to them, I would say, let’s start first by remembering to breathe.
Remember to take a deep breath when someone or something is upsetting you.
Remember to take a deep breath before saying something that you may regret.
Remember to take a deep breath when you feel some anxiety or worry.
Remember to take some deep breaths while on a walk and appreciate nature’s scents.
If you want to get to step two, try about adding a simple mantra such as:
I am at peace
When I started making breathing a part of my daily habit anytime I was feeling stressed or
overwhelmed; I realized that taking deep breaths can:
Change your energy and relax your system
Create a pause so you can think more clearly
Help you focus and stop overwhelm
Can help prevent you from saying something you may regret
There are various exercises too that can help, such as box breathing. This practice is part of the Navy Seals regimen.
To practice box breathing, you follow a specific, controlled pattern. First, breathe in for 4 seconds. Then, hold your breath for 4 seconds. Next, breathe out for 4 seconds. Finally, hold for 4 seconds. And repeat.
To me, that’s an easy one to remember and very effective.
Also, there are articles about proper techniques on filling your belly with air vs. sucking it in. But, in the spirit of keeping it simple, just remembering to take three deep breaths can make a difference.
