Breathe, Just Breathe - An Effective Strategy for Daily Coping

The lyrics to Anna Nalick's song "Breathe" have been my new mantra when things start getting difficult. I've even purchased a bracelet that I wear on days that anticipate may be difficult.

Taking a moment and remember to "Breathe, Just Breathe" serves as a helpful reminder that when I feel stressed, I need to breathe and it will help relieve the tension.

No one can find the rewind button now,
So cradle your head in your hands,
And breathe,
Just breathe,
Oh breathe,

Just Breathe

Breathing - An Effective Strategy for Coping

There are many different breathing techniques that can be used to help in calming the frazzled nerves that many parents frequently experience as part of daily living. Calming your own nerves helps you to keep calm down when coping with your children.

This article includes two easily to learn and to use techniques can be incorporated into your daily life as a way of managing stress and coping.

Slow, Deep Breaths

This technique is one that can be easily done in just a few minutes. If you are having one of those crazy days, you can take a minute or two to calm yourself down and get recentered. Find a comfortable place or position to sit before starting this technique.

1. Stop what you are doing and focus on your breathing.
2. Breathe deeply.
3. Exhale slowly.
4. Feel your body relaxing.
5. Repeat 3-5 times.

Mini Break - 30 seconds to Relax

Another quick technique that can also be used. Since this one only takes 30 seconds, so you can sneak a breathing break in with a bathroom break.

1. Find a quiet place.
2. Close your eyes.
3. Count backwards from 10 to 0.
4. As you count...

Imagine that your worries are shrinking in importance, until you reach 0 and they have diminished in size.

5. Open your eyes and feel refreshed.

Breathing During Stressful Times 

When you are having one of 'those days' just take a minute and remember to "Breathe." Breathing is a simple, effective stress reducing technique, that may just help you make it through the day.