I found this really interesting because I’ve been on quite the journey with anxiety lately. It’s funny how something so intangible can feel so heavy. There are moments when I feel like my heart is racing and my mind is just a whirlwind of thoughts. I used to try to fight it—like if I just wrestled with the feelings, I could outrun them. Spoiler alert: that never worked.
Recently, I decided to give breathing techniques a real shot. You know, the ones where they tell you to inhale deeply for four counts, hold for a beat, and then exhale slowly? I always thought it sounded a bit cliché, but I was willing to try anything at that point. So, I found a quiet corner in my home, closed my eyes, and just focused on my breath.
At first, it felt awkward, like I was trying to meditate for the first time. I’d start counting in my head, and then suddenly get distracted by everything—what needed to be done around the house, the phone buzzing, just life in general. But slowly, I learned to bring my focus back. Each breath became a little grounding moment, and I started to notice how it shifted my perspective.
I remember one day in particular when I was feeling a wave of anxiety wash over me. I stopped what I was doing, sat down, and began my breathing exercises. With each exhale, it felt like I was releasing a bit of that tension, and it was such a relief. I think what surprised me the most was how powerful something so simple could be. It’s like I was giving my body permission to relax, which is something I often forget in the chaos.
I’ve also started to pair it with a little mindfulness—just noticing the sensations around me, the way my feet feel on the ground or the cool breeze flowing through the window. It’s a work in progress, but I feel like I’m starting to build a toolkit to manage those anxious moments instead of letting them manage me.
Have any of you tried breathing techniques, or found a method that helps when anxiety strikes? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you. It’s comforting to know we’re not alone in navigating these feelings.