Breathing is a powerful yet often underestimated part of staying calm.
When we become anxious, worried, upset or frustrated, our breathing changes. Instead of deep, cleansing breaths, we begin to take short, quick breaths.
These short breaths tell our brain that we’re in danger! It starts to ramp our body up for fight or flight. This is when we get angry, yell, or see the problem as worse than it really is.
Taking deep breaths puts us back on the right track. Our brain gets the oxygen it needs to think clearly, our muscles relax, and we can respond calmly.
Just Breathe.
The next time you start feeling out-of-control, find yourself yelling, arguing or feel worried.
Stop. Take a 4-count breath in, hold it for 4-counts, and breathe out for 4-counts.
You may need to take a few of these deep 4-count breaths before you start to feel the positive effects.
Breathing may seem “too simple,” but that is what makes this exercise perfect for busy, stressed-out parents who don’t have time to try anything more right now.
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