Walk Briskly - Breathe Deeply

As I was listening to a taped lesson on personal growth the other day, I was taken by the focus on the importance of breath.  When we are stressed or tense, we breathe shallowly and may not be taking in enough oxygen for our bodies to use.  This is a vicious cycle as the lack of enough oxygen can trigger our fight or flight reaction. That creates more stress, which tightens us up more and keeps us from taking those deep breaths.

My mind wandered after to the thought of all the stress bombarding us daily. Unless you have the ability to opt out of working with others, taking care of kids, shopping for groceries, and dealing with community, then it is impossible to ignore the triggers. Developing a clear strategy, habit or set pattern to embrace when you notice stress starts to rise can help to avert reaching full blown overload. 

Let's start with breath as I think it is the first line of defense and it's something you can embrace quickly.  If you are moving in some way - driving, walking, cooking - then you need to stop for a few minutes.  Pull the car to the curb, sit on a bench, stand still, or turn the stove off and relax a bit, then close your eyes.  Empty your mind as best you can and turn your focus to your breath.  Slowly breath in through your nose filling your entire body as completely as you can.  Pause for a few seconds, then slowly let the air flow out through your nose or your moth, which ever feels right to you. 

As you are breathing out, try to visualize all the tension in your body flowing out, riding the breath while it flows outward. If need be, you can think of it as a color, a shape, or a movement. Whatever helps you release the negative energy can be used. When you are completely empty, pause for a few seconds, then repeat.  Sometimes I can release the tension in a few breaths. Other times the challenge is greater and I might need five to ten minutes. 

A second line of action that can short circuit the building tension is exercise. For me the easiest and most effective choice is walking briskly. It can be done anywhere at any time.  The faster I walk, the more of a sweat I build up, the more effective it is at calming me.  I have found bicycling can work just as well. It does take longer.  Yoga is another great option, or turning on music and dancing with abandon.  If you love action, running or lifting weights can do the trick.  You simply need a way to physically release the tension in your muscles. Be sure and breath deeply at the same time. 

Right now I am between tense times which is such a wonderful place to be.  However, I know new challenges will present themselves in the future.  I am ready. I have my new mantra in place - Walk Briskly - Breathe Deeply - along with a time proven list of options that work for me. From the moment stress starts to make itself known, I will nip it in the bud.  

If you don't have a plan in place to deal with stress as it arises, I would start working on one today. Best to be prepared.