As a stress coach, a piece of advice that people always think that they want for me are reactionary stress management tools like, “Okay, I’ve been trying the breathing thing and that doesn’t really work for me.”
Okay, so you’re talking about reactionary tools. Once you’ve already gotten stressed and you’re up to here, what can you do to bring yourself back down?
Like, that’s an important part of the toolbox, but one of the things that most people don’t think about are the proactive things that we should be doing to keep ourselves from getting that high up.
So one of my best pieces of advice is to not wait until you’re already stressed to take those deep breaths, check in throughout the day, and make it an intention to proactively do your deep breathing exercises.
So this is not going to take any extra time out of your day. It’s just going to be something to start doing intentionally. In between writing emails, in between meetings, every time you get up to go and refill your coffee, every time you go to go pee in the bathroom.
You’re just going to take a moment, really just a moment to take a deep breath check-in. And the quality of the energy in your body is it feeling a little frazzled and sharp. And see if you can’t just, with the next two breaths, smooth out the edges of the quality of the energy that is going through your nervous system right now.
Link to reputable source: Research-Based Benefits of Deep Breathing for Stress Reduction
Keep reading or watch this Reel to know how to manage your stress.
The Importance of Proactive Stress Management:
While reactionary stress management tools are crucial, it’s equally important to address stress before it reaches its peak. Proactive stress management involves integrating stress-reducing practices into your daily life, helping you maintain a calmer state of mind. One of the most effective and accessible techniques is deep breathing.
Incorporating Deep Breathing Throughout the Day:
Deep breathing doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task. It’s about making it a mindful practice during your daily activities. Whether you’re writing emails, attending meetings, or taking breaks, you can take a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and check in with yourself. This intentional act of self-care can be seamlessly integrated into your routine without adding any extra time.
Smoothing Out the Edges of Energy:
As you pause for a deep breath, notice the quality of energy within your body. Is it feeling frazzled or sharp? With the next two breaths, focus on smoothing out the edges of that energy, allowing a sense of calm to wash over you. This simple practice helps regulate your nervous system and promotes a more balanced state of being.
The bottom line:
Proactive stress management is a game-changer when it comes to maintaining your well-being. By incorporating deep breathing exercises throughout the day, you can create moments of calm and clarity, preventing stress from reaching overwhelming levels. Remember, it’s not about waiting until stress hits; it’s about taking intentional breaths and nurturing yourself proactively. So, let’s embark on this journey together and make deep breathing a part of our daily lives.
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Where to go from here:
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