Don’t limit your challenges. Challenge your limits.” – Anonymous.

How you breathe has a remarkable ability to influence your nervous system, from increasing energy to lowering blood pressure and improving blood circulation, to beating anxiety or panic attacks. We tend to take shallow breaths as we go about our daily routines. Be mindful to take some deep breaths and focus on your breathing from time to time. When you feel distressed and anxious, find a quiet spot – like the bathroom – and breathe through the panic until it subsides. It will eventually settle down as you concentrate on your breathing techniques and affirm to yourself that everything is fine. Don’t let your brain run away with you. Take a deep breath, fill your lungs, and feel the air in your chest. Hold on, and then gently release. Know that everything will be OK.

Affirmation: Breathing deeply at times of stress helps calm me.