Do you ever feel completely stressed out? Like there’s too many activities to do and not enough time to do them? Does your heart race and your breath become quick and shallow? Perhaps your stomach and chest become tight or your neck and shoulders seize up on you, or you get tension headaches. In any case, you’re overwhelmed.
A quick fix is to take 3 deep breaths.
Get comfortable in your chair. Close your eyes. Take a long, slow, deep breath in through your nose. Fill your lungs completely. Feel your chest expand. Hold the breath there a moment, then release it loudly through your mouth. Let the breath rush forth from you with some force. Take another deep breath through your nose, hold it a moment, then let it loose. Do it once again.
Open your eyes. Feel better? You will. Now, it doesn’t solve whatever messes you’ve gotten yourself into, but it will help you get ready to prioritize your tasks and attack the next important activity.
Don’t forget the simple strength of oxygen!
