Feeling Blue – Breathe…..really.

Many times when I get anxious or upset the first thing I do is hold my breath.  Taking time to breathe can make a difference.  Breathing is a basic go to slow down the beginnings of stress or the early stages of melt down.  Wait too long and tell me to breathe I tend to get really crabby.  First time my counselor told me to breathe when I was very upset, I understood why he sat as far across the room as he could get.  He wanted distance for his own safety.  Then I started doing my home work.  I remembered Yoga breathing and some of the other breathing techniques I learned through out my life.  Breathing is a basic need and a basic way to get in touch with your body quickly and unobtrusively.  Rarely does anyone notices a simple change in breathing.

Below is one of the many articles I read on the subject.  I like this one because it gives some of the science behind why it works.  However, if you want to get right to trying it out scroll to the bottom and follow the step by step instructions.

http://www.balancingbrainchemistry.co.uk/peter-smith/43/Coherent-Breathing.html

Breathing is part of most meditations.  I find meditations difficult because my mind can be fairly unruly when left to itself.  Remembering is not fun so I try to keep my mind busy.  I do find the breathing component very helpful.

This link shares 5 different breathing exercises.  I need the reminder to step up this simple and effective way to relax and bring more energy into my life.

https://draxe.com/breathing-exercises/

Breathe deep the gathering gloom
Watch lights fade from every room
Bedsitter people look back and lament
Another day’s useless energy is spent
Impassioned lovers wrestle as one;
Lonely man cries for love and has none
New mother picks up and suckles her son
Senior citizens wish they were young

Cold-hearted orb that rules the night
Removes the colours from our sight
Red is grey is yellow white
But we decide which is right
And which is an illusion

~Moody Blues  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWAmICTFSok

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