Breathing saved the day for me
The year was 2004, and I was sitting on some really dirty steps behind a building at ASU. I wasn’t reviewing notes or having a snack.
I was having a panic attack. Right before I had to teach.
In that moment, I did the only thing I could do – I breathed. It was a little rough at first, then it became more regular.
It worked, thank goodness!
Once I was a little calmer, I stood up, dusted myself off (the steps really were dirty), and taught my class.
Breath: Simple tool, big benefits
The Cleveland Clinic states, “Breathing can play a huge role in…helping you to shift back toward tranquility.”
I was panicking on those steps. My body was on overload. My sympathetic nervous system was on overdrive with fight-or-flight.
However, breathing on purpose got my parasympathetic nervous system going and calmed me down.
It worked on that day, and has worked wonders since!
4-7-8 breathing – a powerful technique
I now do a breathing technique called 4-7-8 breathing. It has been a huge help to me during the workday, at night when I need to relax before bed, and even when waiting to give a TEDx Talk.
Per The Cleveland Clinic, here are the basics of the powerful 4-7-8 technique:
- Inhale through your nose for four counts
- Hold your breath for seven counts
- Exhale through your mouth for eight counts
If you want the full instructions – and a little more about the benefits – click here.
The Cleveland Clinic says this technique can help promote relaxation and focus. It can also calm a racing mind.
It gets me calmer when I’m stressing, and helps me reset.
Breathe with purpose
Here’s the Mastering the Everyday tip: Breathe!
In my novel, An Audible Silence, a character says to their friend: “Breathing is your occupation…all else is a hobby.”
If done with attention and focus, breath can be a powerful coping mechanism for daily stress.
You might still have the problem or stressor to deal with (and some dirty steps under you), but you may be able to handle it in a calmer way.
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To dive deeper into strategies for managing stress and anxiety (including mindfulness and meditation), check out my book, An Audible Silence; or schedule a free 15-minute call to see if coaching might be right for you. For even more, follow me on Instagram or TikTok.
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(NOTE: This post is not medical or mental health advice or diagnosis, and is solely for informational/entertainment purposes. If you need physical or psychiatric care, please reach out to a trained and licensed medical professional.)