To the ones who I’ve recently met, hi! You should know, the person who I am today is NOT who I was many years ago… Heck – even a year ago! So congrats on meeting me where I am today. Trust me… Congratulations are in order because the old Meg was an anxious mess. She knew nothing about coping mechanisms or how to regulate her own emotions. She was a basket case, she meant well though!

This was step 1 in my therapy journey, learning how to regulate my own emotions. Sounds so simple, right? Like just relax Meg, wtf? Here’s the thing… I grew up with a mother, step father and my father. They provided for me all they could but they were raised by a generation where children were to be seen and not heard. They parented the only way they knew how. I was fed, clothed, roof over my head.. But they just weren’t equipped with the knowledge we have today about our brain and nervous system. I still love them, if not more now so shout out to my parents!! – all 3 of ya 😊

Many years ago if you were depressed or anxious, you were admitted into the hospital for being ‘crazy’. Ah… how far we’ve come as a society. Want to know the one tool I learned in therapy that literally changed my life?? Brace yourself because it will surely blow your mind. That ONE tool….. deep breathing.

Okay, I know.. You’re sitting there like “Meg, what? Everyone breathes”? Listen, I know. BUT deep rhythmic breathing during times of high stress and anxiety was a skill I didn’t realize could help me. Check out a little tid bit I found on the University of Toledo website:

“Deep breathing can help calm anxiety by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which signals the brain that you’re safe and don’t need to respond with fight, flight, or freeze. It can also help reduce muscle tension, which can make anxiety and stress worse.” (University of Toledo https://www.utoledo.edu/studentaffairs/counseling/anxietytoolbox/breathingandrelaxation.html#:~:text=Deep%20breathing%20and%20relaxation%20activate%20the%20other,gets%20more%20oxygen%20to%20the%20thinking%20brain)

Whenever someone comes to me for advice, deep breathing is one of the first things I suggest they implement. Again….. I SUGGEST okay.. I am not a doctor and you should always consult with your doctor before making any life changes! Okay, bases covered.

Now, I’m in a heated debate.. Probably with my dog but hey… she’s husky and loves to talk back. I feel this rage bubble up inside me and my initial thought is to let it out and lose my mind HOWEVER since I have implemented deep breathing I am able to respond to situations vs. react. SO with that I take 5 deep breaths. 4 second breath in through my nose, hold for 2 seconds and then breathe out of my mouth for 4 seconds. Repeat that 5 times.

Almost always after I let that final breath out I realize.. The situation was NOT that serious and I am able to understand and figure out where to go from there.

So take that.. I challenge you the next time you’re becoming anxious, angry, scared etc…. Take those deep breaths and really become present with yourself. That action alone will make a WORLD of difference.

Taking that first step is all you need to do when you want to become a better version of you. Just breathing with intention could change how you handle situations and in turn, give you an easier life.

With that my friends, GET BREATHING!

Meg