FeelingGoodWithSofy

Hey everyone! 😊

In this wellness blog post, I’ll discuss the power of your breath for overall wellbeing, its impact on mental health, the importance of mindful breathing, and some of my personal stories related to this topic!❤️

Trigger warning: if you are going through a difficult time in your life, this article might be difficult to read. On the other hand, it offers motivational advice and insights that may help you along the way. The decision to keep reading is entirely yours!❤️❤️

Breathing, the key to overall wellbeing

Something as simple as breathing has, in reality, a strong impact on our physical, mental, and emotional health, wellbeing.

Your breath is your anchor for everything—from sports, work, sleep, and eating to speaking. Breathing is in fact fundamental for a wide range of activities— not just when you practice yoga or deep breathing exercises.

When you get stressed out—and I mean it could be literally anything—you can automatically, or most times, start breathing in a wrong way, making you feel as if you do not have enough air.

That’s why, I believe, it’s so important to acknowledge your breath in any circumstance and also listen to your whole self.❤️

Mindful Breathing

I have learned through time that breathing and mindfulness literally coexist.

Here is an example…

Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I am not 100% present with myself. I can get swept away from difficult emotions, which additionally makes it harder for me to breathe and focus. Here is where your breath and mindfulness play a very crucial role, taking you back to the present moment, and allowing you to slowly regain inner balance and harmony.❤️

Mindfulness in Everyday Life

Try to pay attention to your breath when you do your daily chores, when you are working, or simply when you are chilling out. Is your breath natural, giving you a sense of calm and peace, or is it shallow, making it harder to focus on the task at hand?

Whatever is going on in your life, I would highly suggest you be more present with yourself, especially if you also struggle with your mental health.❤️

Remember to carve out time just for yourself, especially if you are like me—sensitive and in need of alone time to get ready for the day ahead or to wind down and recharge!❤️

Mental wellbeing and the breath

If your breath is already so important in your daily life, it becomes even more fundamental to acknowledge and embrace it if you deal with mental health issues.

Let me give you an example…

“I’m having a panic attack. Everything is blurred around me, I’m crying so much, and I feel so heavy and weak.” Thirty minutes ago: “I’m so tired. I just came home from a difficult meeting at work and I’m having a hard time slowing down. My phone keeps me alerted, but at the same time, it gives me negative vibes. Moreover, I can’t breathe correctly; I’m so on edge, I think I’m going to give up.”

Some thoughts and tips regarding this episode…

When you are having a panic attack or an axiety attack, for example, you are triggered by something. In this case, it was the difficult meeting at work.

What is best to do while you are going home or in another safe place is to put your phone away, and focus on your breathing. Once you are home, do anything you find relaxing, like journaling, meditating, or having a bath. While you do this, try tracking your breathing for a while. You can also listen to some soothing music too if you would like! 🙂

Sharing a bit of my story…❤️

I’ve never really acknowledged my breath, or the importance of breathing, until I was 15.

At that time, my mental health had worsened and I started to have mental crises, panic attacks. I was extremely anxious, and sad at school and the classmates there, most of them, were really rude, making fun of me.

I remember my parents started to notice how I breathed heavily, as if I were almost always out of breath. They told to my previous therapist about this and expressed their worries about my shallow breathing.

Taking action…

My parents contacted a neuro-psychiatrist and after long tests, she put me on medication. Even though the medication didn’t completely heal me, it helped me a lot along the way, and helped me find my breath again.

A year later, I started doing yoga. At first, I saw no real benefit, but after ten sessions, I finally began seeing some results. I am so grateful that I didn’t give up! I’ve been practising yoga ever since, and it really helps me find my way back to calmness when I feel anxious or tired. This is a sign not to give up easily on something; sometimes, you just need to give it some time and love, as long as you enjoy what you are doing!😊

Your breath is sacred, your breath is everything. Embrace it! 🙂 ❤️

Much Love and Light ❤️✨

Sofia Lena 😊

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