Just Breathe?

Just breathe.

Inhale...exhale.

Deep breaths; you can do it.

What if you can't? What if the pain, pressure, anger, depression, and/or anxiety is so intense that it feels like a headstone has fallen on your chest, and the weight of it has you pinned -- immovable.

Breathe...just breathe.

Emotions are powerful. They can be empowering when used for good, but destructive when they take control.  I have a friend, let's call her Annabelle. Her anxiety over her adult children is so high that she endures panic attacks when her son doesn't call every few hours. John, on the other hand, has the attitude that his children, "were a gift from God. He entrusted them to me during their formative years; now I have to trust my [adult] children to make good choices and live productive lives." John says that he avoids anxiety by trusting God and by realizing that worry is not productive.

So, how do you STOP powerful emotions like anxiety, panic, even pain when they are already IN control?  Breathing is a first step.  "Belly breathing" will diffuse the "fight or flight" mechanism that has taken control and caused the panic attack or even the escalating pain wracking your body.  You will need to practice this process BEFORE a panic attack or strong emotional experience.  Try practicing daily. Here is how:

• Start by getting as comfortable as possible. 

• Inhale through your nose, pressing shoulders down, expanding your belly, counting to 7 in your mind as you breathe.

• Exhale through your mouth, compressing your belly, counting to 11 in your mind as you breathe.

• Repeat this 4 times at first and increase to 8 as you get comfortable with the process.

Once your emotions have leveled off, you can re-engage your mind by taking the focus OFF of the "trigger," or whatever it is that has escalated your emotions, by changing that focus.  Go for a walk, bike ride, swim; read a book; use imagery to picture a better outcome.

Don't forget to PRACTICE belly breathing daily.  Look here for more tips and techniques for reducing anxiety.  You can also find more at https://www.joshua1nine.com/home/anxiety-relief 

Also, Philippians 4:, 6,7 tells us, " Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Don't forget to BREATHE!