Breathe

Ever notice that when you’re waiting for something to happen you hold your breath?  I’ve noticed that in anticipation of news, that I automatically think is going to be bad, I hold my breath.  I wonder why I hold my breath; it’s not like it’s going to change the outcome of the event.  It makes me think about bowling as a kid.  I used to hold my breath after releasing the ball down the lane thinking that would enable me to direct the ball to the “strike zone”.

Your breath is what fuels your body.  It’s the mechanism for relaxation.  The next time you’re out in the cold try this…close your eyes, take a deep breath and hold it, then release the breath slowly.  When I’m outside and shivering I’ll go through this breathing exercise and for a short while it relieves me of the impact the cold has on my body.

As an asthmatic I’m very aware of my breath.  I find that my shortness of breath isn’t as bad in and of itself as the anxiety of not being able to breathe.  When I can center myself enough to take a breath I can often alleviate the anxiety and get more oxygen in my system.  The breath is powerful so use it to your full advantage.