One Powerful Tip that Will Change Your Life!
By Jessica Tha Goddess – January 11, 2021
Just Breathe! I suffer from anxiety and panic disorder later in life. I honestly suspect I have had it most of my life. Running home from lighting storms in a panic as a child. Locking all the doors when Michael Jackson’s Thriller came on. Jumping ten feet in the air when my grandma cheered for the Maple Leaves during Hockey Night in Canada. I have always been a bit…on edge.
So, when I was diagnosed with anxiety and panic disorder as an adult, I was less than shocked. With all I had went through as a child its really not surprising that I have these little gems to accompany me on my life’s journey.
Even though I live with these ever-present realities, I skillfully put them to the backburner most of the time. I’ve developed tools to manage my anxiety. I can also recognize and calm a panic attack.
These tools help me be able to live life, achieve my goals, remain focused, and yes – slay like a boss.
Coping With a Pandemic and other Adult Trauma
As adults we develop traumas as well.
Covid 19 is another reality that impacts people, heightens anxiety, and may have caused you trauma.
The world is uneasy right now. It’s tough. The news is constantly showing political and racial tensions. Also, the changing information causes uncertainty as to what new rules may alter our fundamental freedoms and the way we navigate our lives. It’s hard for everyone. I have been finding it hard too. Even with tools to manage the anxiety from the chaos and devastation – it still impacts productivity for many of us.
The realities of social distancing, sanitizing everything, wearing masks, and being careful in public spaces gives everyone an additional to-do list and adds strain mentally, emotionally, and socially as different people display varying levels of commitment to adhering to these basic protocols.
Many people have young children to explain the world to, help with their schoolwork, and keep occupied.
If you are suddenly working from home you may also face the challenge of motivating yourself to work while in a home environment. It may be hard to find quiet time to get your work done; and you may be missing your ‘escapes’ (i.e. spa, nail salon, gym, shopping in person for non-essentials, and meeting up with friends). It’s a tough time.
With unemployment soaring some also have financial pressures mounting. This can cause serious stress on every other aspect of life. For some, it feels like all is caving in.
Other people are starting new businesses all on their own, and trying to learn new survival skills, because they can no longer rely on the incomes they had before.
One Tip that Could Make All the Difference
I do not have all the answers, but I can relate. As an entrepreneur who has worked from home, while raising a young child, and who has had to motivate myself to work for almost two decades I understand. I have one very effective suggestion to help you get through it all…BREATHE!
I could offer a bunch of suggestions – but I understand you may not want another to do list right now. So, trust me if I had to narrow it down to one, this one is it…BREATHE!
It’s simple. You can do it anywhere. It complements my previous article on the power of walking which you can also do most places at most times. It will help you achieve focus and success, and it will help you reset so you can protect your personal wellness. That is what YevOne is about after all, small doable changes that give you big results.
Breathe
Breathing is the basketball of wellness. You do not have to join a club, pay big money, or wear a bunch of equipment. You simply pause, set your intention, take ten long deep breaths, and watch your anxiety dissipate. Need ten more – take them, this does not take long, no one has to know that you are doing it, and it will change your life – I know because I do it all the time.
There are different techniques I use depending on what I am going through and what breathing tool I need from my tool box.
Healing Breath
If I am not feeling well, I visualize inhaling green healing air, I hold the breath and allow the healing energy to fill my body (or the local area that hurts) and then I exhale red air taking away the painful energy and helping to heal it. I learned this technique from my son (Thank you Tredel <3) and when I heard about it I did not have too much faith but I used it to stop fibroid breathing and it worked. I have used it several times since – always pleased with my outcome. It’s very powerful.
Breathing to Release Anxiety
If I am breathing to calm anxiety, I sometimes use a box breath – breathing in for the count of four, holding for the count of four, exhaling for the count of four, then holding the exhale for the count of four – repeat ten to twenty times. Make sure you are pulling air into your abdomen. I find I need to focus when doing this, which is great because it pulls my focus away from whatever is causing me anxiety at the time.
Breathing for Emotional Healing
Sometimes a mantra while deep breathing helps me. If I am in emotional pain, I will use the mantra ‘self sooth’ – it’s a simple phrase that reminds me that I have the power to heal and sooth myself. I do not need to look outside of myself and I do not need to ask for someone to do it for me. No one has to save me, I got this. I back myself!
Of course, there are times you will need help and that is always okay to ask for. This article is really focusing on those moments where you need a 60 second vacation to re-set and get yourself back on track.
Breathing to Set Your Daily Priorities
In the morning I use 10 deeps breaths before writing my to do list. Sometimes I review my overall life goals – I have five of them – so I can ensure my to-do list is moving forward my key goal areas. The purpose of deep breathing before writing my list is to centre myself so I am focused on the right things…ME, my family, my business, my faith, my wellness, my life!
Breathing Through Success
I also use breathing when I am very excited about something. Sometimes the excitement of a new launch, a successful business accomplishment, or a sudden opportunity can feel the same as fear, anxiety, or stress. Your body does not know the difference, and the stress response (chemicals released by your body) can be the same. Thus, the way to calm that down is the same too – just breath. Take deep, long, intentional, relieving breaths. About to go in for a second interview…breathe. About to give a big presentation…breathe. About to press launch on your new business…breathe. Your favorite rapper just asked your for a collab…breathe. About to bring a life into the world…what do they tell you…breathe breathe breathe! Everything is better with breath – trust me.
There are many breathing techniques out there and I am not an expert. I am simply sharing some very simple tips that help me. As you try them and see the benefits you can research more advanced techniques that help further your unique goals.
Recap
- Breathe
- Long, deep, abdominal breathes
- Intentional breaths
- When you wake up, when you are upset, when setting your intentions for the day, and before bed. Even when you accomplish something great – breathe
Additional Tips for Coping with Pandemic
If you are really struggling with Covid Society and how to adjust these little tips may also help:
- Put your health first – now is the time to take care of you. While the news reminds us to distance, sanitize, and wear a mask it does not often remind us to take our vitamins (especially Vitamin D), to eat well, to move, and to breathe. Ask your doctor about your unique risks, or even get a naturopathic doctor or nutritionist to help ensure you are maintaining your health during this very critical time. I had a nutritionist tell me the rate of Type 2 Diabetes new diagnoses are way up because people are drinking more alcohol and eating more junk food. Watch that. Love yourself like never before right now!
- Start Your Day Right – if you are working from home, I know it sounds really simple but keeping a routine is very key. Anything that resembles normal is good right now. Get up, bathe, get dressed, brush your teeth, eat a healthy breakfast start your day normal and the rest will fall in place.
- Get Organized – if you have to work from home, and you need the kids to be on the same page as you now is the time to organized. Everyone should be working at the same time. You doing your work, them doing their independent school work. If they need help have a system (sticky notes) to flag questions so you can visit them AFTER you are done your work. Have snacks prepared so they are easy to pull out and schedule regular eating times so everyone is not eating all day. Make sure the kids still have exercise and a bedtime and make sure you do too.
- Ask for Help – if you are really struggling there are helplines out there. The Bounce Back program in Ontario is meant to help you deal with stress, anxiety, and other issues. They have a number of videos with tips that can really make a difference.
Let’s Get Through This Together
Follow me on Instagram @JessicaThaGoddessxo or Follow my Facebook Page also @jessicathagoddessxo and leave a comment letting me know when breath has helped you.
I believe we will get through the stresses of the day with love, breath, and each other. I also believe as we navigate our new world, we need to try our best to put our physical, mental, and spiritual health first. We need to create some balance even if working from home. As we work through it all do not get too distracted with the world’s drama; do your part but as my lovely sister Trecia posted the other day “protect your peace.” I think those were very powerful words and your peace is within and begins with a very simple, very healing deep loving breath!
xoxo Jessica Tha Goddess
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