Add one thing to your daily routine to reduce stress

Does life feel stressful? Are you constantly feeling overwhelmed? Do you feel like your “fuse” is ready to blow at any moment? If you said yes to these questions, chances are you are struggling with emotional regulation. Evidence shows that adding mindfulness meditation and deep breathing to your daily routine can be just as effective as anti-anxiety medication. How do I do it? First let’s explore this part of you that is preventing you from doing it. I am guessing I am not the first person to suggest taking a breath. Second, if you feel you don’t have time to complete 2 minutes of breathing in your day ask yourself how many minutes a day am I scrolling on Tik Tok? Listen we all have been there. It is important to challenge the parts of us that avoid healthy habits.

How do I get started? Let’s keep it simple. Sit down and keep your eyes open or shut (whatever is most comfortable), Pick a place that is quiet (or where you can turn on the sound machine to tune out the kids/pets) and where you can not be disturbed for 2 minutes (a locked bathroom sometimes is all you get). Set your timer on your phone for 2 minutes. Now breathe 4 seconds in through your nose, 4 seconds out through your mouth. When the timer goes off you are done! If this felt really quick add another minute. Notice how you feel now, do you notice any changes to your thoughts, your body, your mood?

If this helps, I invite you to repeat it tomorrow!