Breathing

Remember a while back when Nataly shared with us that her doc told her to breathe?  Take belly breaths is what he told her.  Well as someone who practices and teaches yoga I'm all about breathing.  When I read her note though, I realized I wasn't doing it as often as I should so I made a conscious effort to start doing it several times a day.  I just stop what I'm doing, breathe in through my nose and fill my belly with the air first before I let my lungs fill up.  As I exhale I remind myself to relax my shoulders.

It's become a habit now.  A wonderful, glorious habit I don't have to think about.  I went from feeling anxious, stressed and overwhelmed to feeling centered and more in control.  Don't get me wrong, things are still crazy and I can't always get it all done but at least I'm learning to accept that.

And here's the best part: it's benefitting those around me.  Not only am I a happier wife (hubby was getting worried about the anxiety and stress), a sillier mommy and a more relaxed friend, my oldest is using this technique and she's only 3!  I've always encouraged her to take deep breathes when she's upset.  Well last night she had a complete meltdown which is rare for her.  She was very overtired and couldn't stop her crying.  She threw her hands up and said, "Oh, Mummy, I'm forgetting my big breathes."  Then she put her hands on her head and took several looooong deep breathes, looked up, smiled and said she felt better.  Then she attacked me with the biggest hug and said she loved me.  Just what I was thinking!

Not only did my heart melt but this really got me thinking: if we give our children the tools to combat stress and anxiety at such a young age will they be able to better help themselves when they are our age?  Will handling the juggling act be easier?  

I wanted to share this both so I wouldn't forget it any time soon and to encourage all of you moms to breathe with your children.  Next time they are upset and you find yourself getting upset too, remind everyone to stop for a moment and breathe deeply.  It gives you a whole new perspective!