By Nancy Virden (c)2022

Have you tried this stress reliever? I must admit it has been a slow process for me to utilize it to its full potential. Of course, I do it hundreds of times an hour like everyone.

Breathing. It increases with physical movements and with emotions too. Reining it in is where its power lies for releasing pressures we may be experiencing. I have heard variations on this theme repeatedly. Here are three ways your breathing can change difficult moments.

4 X 4 X 4

Focus on breathing. Release your mind of all else that is going on around you and think about the motions of taking air in and blowing it out. Count your breaths if it helps you to focus.

Whenever you wish, begin taking in deep breaths. Slowly, as you inhale through your nose, count to four. Hold your breath to the same count of four. Release it through your mouth as you count a slow four once again. Repeat the entire process for a few minutes until your nerves have calmed down.

Breathe in Green

Fresh air has more oxygen. Oxygen necessarily keeps you alive as the bloodstream carries it to organs including your brain. Take a step outside of your house, outside of the city, and to green spaces with trees and fields. Once there, visualize filling your body with oxygen. Feel it filling your lungs and watch your navel move with your breaths. Breathe deeply for at least 1/2 hour. Try to incorporate green spaces into your routine as many times per week as possible.

Bubble-Breaths

Let’s face it, we all need laughs. We need to experience again the freedom and joy of innocent fun. If you are a kid-at-heart or want to be, gather a bubble solution and bubble wand from any store that sells toys for children.

Dip your wand in the solution and slowly take in a deep breath. Hold it for about one second and blow! See those bubbles travel! Pop as many as you can if you want to, or watch them float wherever they please. Visualize your stressors disappearing with them.

Repeat! Not only are the slow and deep breaths helpful to you, but it is fun to blow bubbles. Catching them is another small way to get your blood flowing too. -COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Genesis 2:7
Then the Lord God formed Adam from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

Psalm 150:6

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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