Breathing...Not as silly as it sounds

02/20/2009 12:12 am

I have read many things on “How to breathe when you are anxious”. The first time I was introduced to the idea, I was watching a yoga class. Everyone in the class was sitting in the (like a pretzel) yoga position, with hands at prayer.

Of course, I had to try it for myself. My first thought was, I look silly! and I hope nobody walks into the room while I’m tied in a knot on the floor. My second thought was “How could I possibly use this when I’m having an anxiety/panic attack in the middle of the mall”. I might as well run around in my underwear. It would be less conspicuous and a lot more entertaining for the folks staring at me.

After this exercise (and the un-tying of my legs) it did dawn on me that I didn’t necessarily have to be sitting on the floor with my legs tied and praying, to think about my breathing.

So, I put it to the test. In line one day, I was getting a bit antsy. I thought about my yoga class experience (smiled to myself) and proceeded to think about slowing my breathing and concentrated on where I was breathing from, not the chest but the belly (this is harder then you might think). After about 30 seconds and 5 good breaths, I was no longer concentrating on my angst. While my anxiety was still there, it was not as bad as it was and I was no longer totally focused on my panic.

I would love to hear your first experience with breathing and how you have put it to good use.

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