A Little Snippet of my Book

Breath:  /breTH/ the process of taking air into and then expelling from the lungs

“Whenever you feel anxious, mad, or tense, take a deep breath, hold it for four to five seconds, then slowly blow it out (take about six to eight seconds to blow it out). Then take another deep breath, as a deep as you can, hold it for four to five seconds, and again slowly blow it out. Do this about ten times and the odds are that you will start to feel very relaxed, if not a little sleepy.” Dr Daniel Amen, Healing Anxiety and Depression

 I was in a super difficult place in my life when I first discovered Dr. Daniel Amen of the Amen clinic and his books. I was seeing a great psychologist at the time as I dealt with post-pregnancy issues and raising two small children far from extended family. My psychologist recommended Dr Amen and which resulted in the beginning of my self-education into knowing my self and being the number one authority on me and what I need to thrive. Difficult circumstances and people exist in everyone’s lives. That is kind of a duh statement. In a recent frustrating moment, I told my husband, “When trying to get the kids out of the house, I wish I was just dealing with Norway and Sweden. Instead I have Russia and North Korea.” Sometimes getting kids ready and out of the house on time with minimal battles requires an act of God. Thankfully when external and internal triggers cause anxiety to rise up and the most powerful tool we have is really as simple as breathing. Well, it is breathing. Take the opportunity today and every day to focus on your breath. It will impact not just your mood but your body’s over all ability to function, to process emotions as well as heart and digestive health.