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Taking Time To Breathe

Taking Time To Breathe

There are just some days it feels harder to breathe. Whether it be because you are fearful, tired, sad, overwhelmed or not even sure what the reason is. I have had these days… I still do. 

Most people don’t like to talk about it, because they feel like it’s a weakness, I know I used to feel that way myself, but as you work thru it and share how you feel with other people, you see that you are not alone. The only way to actually move thru it is to acknowledge it and know that the feeling will usually pass as quickly as it came. I no longer try to find a reason for it or go down that rabbit hole.

Some people don’t even stop to recognize that they are feeling that way, they just keep themselves busy busy busy to avoid the feeling (I was also guilty of this), but eventually it comes out in other ways.

I wanted to share some helpful tools that I use to help me slow down and breathe and let whatever I’m feeling just be…

1. BREATHE

I wake up every morning before my kids and take a few breaths (in thru the nose for 5, hold it for 5, and slowly release thru the mouth for 5). This is probably the most powerful tool we all have at our disposal. After doing this 2-3 times I am much more at ease.

2. EXERCISE

Whatever kind you like, just taking that time to connect with your body and move is super powerful and helps you to focus on something else (try holding a plank and being worried…it fades pretty quickly.)

3. FRIENDS

Call a friend, walk with a friend, grab a coffee with a friend. As women our friends are our gifts (different than our spouses and children). When you find the good ones, the kind that you can be your authentic self with, keep them close and lean on them when you need them.

4. RITUALS

I find for myself that having routines, making yummy warm drinks or teas, taking natural supplements, engaging in self care (dry brushing, gua shua or even just a nice bath) can also be extremely beneficial.

5. MEDITATION

I love to listen to different meditations. It is so important to breathe and let go, and not attach a story to the feelings. There are so many different ones to try, which is why it's important to find one that works for you.

6. Put down your PHONE

Sometimes it feels like our phones and social media are a good distraction, but I find for myself I sometimes need to disconnect from it, and that too much stimulus and nonsense actually increases my anxiety.

7. READ

This is something I put to the side when my kids were so little, but have recently picked it up again. There is nothing better than getting lost in a good book!

8. GRATITUDE

Find gratitude in what you have rather than focusing on why you feel that way, or when it will pass. Every morning when I take 2 minutes to breathe I also remind myself of 3 things I am grateful for, and I notice a huge difference when I don’t get this in. It literally shifts my thoughts and attitude in only a few minutes.

I hope this helps. Remember that we have no idea what's going on in someone else's life, so being KIND is so important!

And above all, just breathe–

xo,
Manda

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