Coping With Anxiety: How to Find Things That Help You Breathe Again by Jessica Lawrence

Mindfulness
4 years ago

Coping With Anxiety: How to Find Things That Help You Breathe Again

We're always under the same sky.

Some time ago, I gifted someone special a coin that read the above statement. For some reason, it calmed me down – knowing we couldn't be together was difficult, but the sentiment of realizing we were always somehow close helped.

Last night, I found a familiar pit in my stomach. Anxiety. I couldn't even breathe. I awoke, covered in sweat. I kept repeating the above phrase, attempting to calm down. It wasn't helping.

I optimistically hoped to hear from the bearer of the gift on Mother's Day, as he used to praise what a good mother I am. When the day came and went, I was again crushed by him. (Amazing, it can happen even when they're not in your life anymore. Am I right?!) So as I sat in my bed last night, crying and alone, I started to think of things that might help me breathe:

  • Watching the waves from the dock.
  • The feeling you get when you finish a book.
  • Watching my daughter smile.
  • The feeling of rain while you run.

I finally fell back to sleep.

The pit is still there, and I'm hoping in time, it goes away again.

What things help you breathe?

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Elisa Schmitz
Anxiety can be so debilitating. I love those words you gifted that special someone, Jessica Lawrence . Very thoughtful of you. What helps me breathe, ironically, are breathing exercises. I breathe in for a count of four, hold for a count of five and exhale for a count of eight. It seems to help a lot, especially at night before bed. Have you tried any breathing exercises to go along with those feelings and images you focus on? Guided imagery also helps me: health: Picturing Peace: 10 Steps for Using Guided Imagery to Help With Stress Reduction
Gwen Johnson
Lots of anxiety going around right now. We need to remember to breathe.

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