You’re a little more than halfway through the Getting Your Shit Together challenge. {Scroll to the bottom of this post to see some of the other days in the challenge or to join in from the beginning.}
How’s it going? Do you feel more peaceful? Has a weight been lifted, even ever so slightly? Have you really committed to stopping the planning insanity, becoming more aware, and controlling your life by making decisions instead of letting the world control you? Have you taken some time to enjoy yourself more?
Tomorrow we have a big day set forth in this challenge, so I want you to sit with what you have achieved so far before we get into that.
Today, I want you to breathe.
Right now. Stop what you’re doing, and take a deep breath in.
The first thought that I usually have when I do that is: Holy shit, have I not been breathing this whole time?
Because taking a deep breath feels like chugging a refreshing glass of water. It makes me realize that I was not getting the oxygen than I needed. People don’t breathe enough. We often take these short, shallow breaths, and it’s not enough to keep our systems functioning properly.
According to Stress.org, breathing is one of the best ways to relieve anxiety and stress.
Breathing deeply:
- brings more oxygen to the brain
- stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which encourages calmness
- connects you with your body
- quiets your mind.
Sometimes, it’s really hard to remember to breathe. Here are some ways to remember:
- Put a note on your nightstand so that you remember to breathe deeply every time you look at the clock.
- Set an alarm on your phone to go off three times a day. Take 10 deep breaths every time you hear it.
- Play game with yourself. Every time you want to react to your kids, take 3 deep breaths before talking.
Keep being aware, keep breathing, and get ready for a big day tomorrow.
This post is part of a 12-day challenge. If you want to start getting your shit together from the beginning, check out the previous days of the challenge:
12 Days of Getting Your Shit Together – Day 1
12 Days of Getting Your Shit Together – Day 2
12 Days of Getting Your Shit Together – Day 3
12 Days of Getting Your Shit Together – Day 4
12 Days of Getting Your Shit Together – Day 5
12 Days of Getting Your Shit Together – Day 6
