TIME TO BREATHE MORE AND RELAX

The second letter in my A to Z of how I'm going to achieve "More" in my life this year.

WE NEED TO RELAX AND TAKE A BREATH

We're onto "B" for the second letter in the "List of More" and it's time to figure out ways to de-stress and exhale. Releasing your tight fist grip on life and the need to be in control of everything is the beginning of learning to breathe more and relax.


LET'S BEGIN BY BREATHING MORE

First things first - take a deep breath - use all your lungs - fill them full of air, hold that breath for a couple of seconds and then slowly exhale. Breathe out all the stress and anxiety and annoyance - just let it go. (Did you know that deep breathing helps prevent pneumonia?) I've also noticed how often we sigh over things, and also how we hold our breath when we're stressed. It's time to be aware of what we're doing to ourselves and to proactively start breathing through it, rather than allowing the aggravations of life to control what's going on in our heads and bodies.

It seems I am always sighing about the past, or holding my breath for the future

There is a wonderful breathing exercise where you breathe in for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and then breathe out for 8 seconds. Repeat 3 times and you noticably feel yourself calming down. It helps me to fall asleep at night, and it also works when I'm feeling uptight during the day. Just being aware of my breathing makes a huge difference. Less stress and more calm - what's not to love about that?

Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds

AND REMEMBER TO RELAX

How often do we burn through our days with a million things on our "To Do" list and forget to take time to slow down a little and relax? Life gets frantic at times, and even if it's not full speed ahead, there is still so much going on. We get caught up in the busyness and run from one errand to the next without taking a few precious minutes to sit and smell the roses.

Better still, take those few minutes to get outside into the fresh air and walk a little - smell the roses as you go, and leave some of that stress behind. Take a walk in the morning before things get underway, or slip out at lunchtime for a stroll. If all else fails and the day has gotten away from you, why not take your partner, or the dog, or a friend, and go for a sunset walk? Early evening is a beautiful time to be outside - and you just might get to know some of your neighbours in the process! 

Breathe my friend, you are not old - you are young. Abby Larson quote

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Are you taking the time to breathe? Have you tried the breathing technique I mentioned to help you fall asleep at night? Are you a fan of taking an evening stroll and enjoying the sunset while you let the cares of the day fall away? If not, why not give it a try?


RELATED POSTS


The second letter in my A to Z of how I'm going to achieve "More" in my life this year.

To keep up to date with my posts, feel free to add your email into the spot especially for it on my sidebar and I'd love you to share this post by clicking on a share button before you go xx
This post was shared at some of these great link parties


37 comments

  1. Thank you for sharing this, Leanne. As simple as it is, I often need to remind myself to breath, especially in times of stress...and during yoga. :) Great quotes!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I notice that I need to be more aware of how I'm breathing these days Donna - I do way too much sighing!

      Delete
  2. Leanne, thanks, I needed this! Reminded me of a neighbor I had years ago--a guy who really took care of himself and was probably the healthiest person on the planet. In addition to running many miles a day, which you'd think was plenty of breathing, he sat outside and did deep breathing exercises every day. Swore by them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My Tai Chi instructor (who would be in her 70's I think) has a real focus on remember to breathe as we go through the movements Jean - she says deep breathing is vital as we get older to keep our lungs healthy.

      Delete
  3. Hi Leanne, I've been learning more about breathing through my yoga. I'm terrible at just holding my breath when I do things especially exercise. Yoga has taught me to focus on the breath and it does make you feel more relaxed. I did recently do a lung capacity test and was very happy with my results.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I watched someone doing a yoga demo on youtube and the breathing was definitely a big part of it Sue - which is another reason why I really have to take a class some time in the near future!

      Delete
  4. This is such a good reminder - I'm a big fan of this breathing technique when I'm lying in bed and can't sleep!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I use it to get to sleep too Sam - some nights my brain is rabbiting around and it just seems to calm everything down enough to drift off.

      Delete
  5. You know what? I know the benefits of deep breathing; I tell it to my clients. But do you think I remember to use it? Nope! It's also used in yoga frequently and I know when I am really, really overwhelmed I will take a few deep breaths and notice I can calm down and start to work on whatever it is that's making me feel overwhelmed. Must remember to practice this more often

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm a bit the same Sanch - I know how good it is, yet forget about it all the time. I am a very good sigh-er though (and I don't think that's particularly beneficial for my health - physical or mental!)

      Delete
  6. Breathing is such a normal process and most of us me included don't do it correctly. For me I find it hard to do when swimming and I'm sure I will never master it!! Oh well I'm having fun trying!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was surprised when I heard it's an issue as we get older Suzanne - a bit like lifting our feet when we walk. There are so many little things to try to remember to keep ourselves young and healthy aren't there? :)

      Delete
  7. love the idea of taking a walk around the neighborhood before bed. I think I'm going to start doing that

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a nice way to chat and we tend to talk about more stuff than when we're sitting at home doing our own thing online or reading a book - plus a bit of fitness thrown in!

      Delete
  8. I often knowing when I am NOT breathing well and that is when it is too shallow and quick. My husband first helped me with the breathing techniques to reduce anxiety. My Calm Meditation app helps me too.

    I have used breathing techniques through pre-cancer surgery stress, pain and more. We are nothing without our breath and yet we take it for granted.

    Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek. Next week the optional prompt is the first of the regular photography ones: Share Your Snaps. 4/2/2019. Denyse

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm trying to be more conscious of my breathing and the need to slow it down and breathe more deeply - especially when I'm annoyed or stressed! Calm breathing is definitely the way to go.

      Delete
  9. I'm absolutely going to try that breathing technique at night to try and calm the monkey brain. The only time that I feel I'm aware of my breathing is when I'm out of breath.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Those hills are definitely teaching you about breathing Jo! I'm thinking I need to walk faster or find a hill or two to make my lungs work a bit harder. And yes, the breathing technique definitely calms the mind - and it's free!

      Delete
  10. Hi Leanne, timely for me. I did something to my back the other evening, it just kind of popped as I bent down to load the dishwasher. Gah! I've since been doing some gentle back exercises and trying to remember to 'breathe' throughout them rather than hold my breath. It struck me just how often throughout my days I hold my breath, rather than breathing deeply and steadily, and your exercise ideas resonate with me, and I shall try them :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Jo - sorry to hear about your back - it's frightening when we do something like that and it takes ages to get back to "normal" again. Slow and steady and deep breaths - you'll be back up to speed before you know it - and Dave can empty the dishwasher for you for a while :)

      Delete
  11. You may have guessed it but as I was reading your post I was deep breathing! I forget to do it in all the rush of doing things. A great reminder Leanne and yes we do take it for granted as Denyse says. #seniorsalon

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Deb - glad it was a timely reminder - something I need for myself regularly too!

      Delete
  12. Yesterday at the Bupa Influencer Program event, they stopped mid afternoon for a 15 minute meditation. We shut down our eyes, sat comfortably, and focussed on our breath and breathing whilst listening to the guiding voice of 'Alex'. It's incredible how focussing on the breath and going inwards can make a world of difference to how we're feeling. I had been so uptight and anxious and nervous and that was buzzing through my veins and I wasn't aware of my breathing at all. In fact I probably barely was breathing I was so uptight! Doing this meditation calmed me and was fabulous! I was so much more relaxed then to enjoy the rest of the day! :-) #TeamLovinLife

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know that feeling where you're so stressed that your breathing is affected Min - I wonder why we do it to ourselves, then afterwards we're so glad we did. I'm glad the little meditation session helped and that you are out there representing Midlifers and all we have to offer.

      Delete
  13. So true Leanne. I've probably mentioned this before, but I have a practice of stopping to take a few deep breaths each time I wash my hands during the day, and if I find I'm stressing over something, I take a deep breath and as I breath out I think "I let this go and allow the Universe to do her thing." It really seems to help. I also love your advice of getting outside on occasion. That always makes me feel better and stirs my creative juices. Thanks for another great post. I found this one on the Blogger's Pit Stop.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Christie - I love the idea of having actual times where you remember to take that deep breath - I need to include that in my daily life too - I just might steal it - and make my own little mantra to go with it.

      Delete
  14. YES! Even the way I sit and stand impacts on my ability to breathe as I should!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too Michele! I have to keep reminding myself to sit straighter at work and on my laptop - I'm going to get Dowagers Hump by 60 at the rate I'm going!

      Delete
  15. This is so important! Thanks for the great reminder.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's something I need to be more mindful of Janet - and it's something I need More of in my life - writing about it reminds me to put it into practice.

      Delete
  16. Leanne you inspired me with your A to Z of More ... I did an A to Z of Colour (my OLW for 2019) but all in one post, never thought of breaking it up like this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Janet - I loved your AtoZ post and think it has the potential to be so much More! I hope you expand on it through the year and entertain us with how you're adding colour as you do it.

      Delete
  17. Thanks Leanne, I need to remember to deep breath more often. I have tried the breathing technique to fall asleep. I try and do it five times and I am often asleep before I get to fifth time, it does not always work but great when it does.
    Kathleen

    ReplyDelete
  18. I am not sure where my last comment went?? Anyway I just wanted to add that the Blogger's Pit Stop will be featuring this post.
    Kathleen

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for your comment - it's where the connection begins.