Breathing

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 22, 2007 9:00 am

Yes, I have had this very disturbing symptom. One thing that has helped me a lot is I start to sing out loud, this somehow makes me relax and breathe properly within seconds.

Coco

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 22, 2007 9:29 am

Lisa,
This is such a good topic, and so common for people with anxiety disorder.

Also, tho, I feel I can safely say that many people hold their breath. A wise person told me a long time ago to put a sticky up in front of me (wherever I frequent) that says simply: breathe. It helped me so much to remember to breathe. At the same time I practiced to breathe as slowly and deeply as I could comfortably. That's how I learned to change my breathing. (If you are on the computer a lot that is a perfect place for a sticky! Or on the mirror in your bathroom. In your car on the dash.) Bring your shoulders down at the same time.

It's OK to focus on your breath. In fact, I highly recommend it. Do it, tho, without the judgement around it. Just notice it. Slow your breathing down intentionally and focus on bringing your breath into your abdomen. If you are not successful, so what. Just practice. One day you'll notice such a difference and it becomes second nature to you.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 24, 2007 4:04 pm

I don't breathe. I probably use enough breath to just get by. No matter what I'm doing. I don't breathe when i'm typing, drumming, eating, playing video games...I REALLY have to work at taking deep, delicious breaths. I find doing some yoga gets me started off really strongly

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat May 26, 2007 5:02 pm

Bring your shoulders down at the same time.

That's another thing I've been noticing a lot lately...it seems as if my shoulders are always very tense, like they're scrunched up and when I notice it I bring them down. Even just now as I typed that I checked and they were up. And it's not even like I'm stressed out or anything...I'm lying in bed typing on the computer.

It's all just so strange...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun May 27, 2007 3:23 am

Okay I dont want to sound like a know it all cause if I did, I would have my own tapes and wouldnt be having anxiety issues myself. But, the fact is with breathing. The chest is of negative pressure meaning. Even without you forcing inhalation, air flows into the lungs. So rest assured this is anxiety. Id love to bore everyone with all the physiology involved haha but just relax on that issue and know its anxiety. Plus, if your brain stops remembering to send that signal through the phrenic nerve then a lot more things stop working too. Peace in your valley as I pray will be in mine some day.

Tea Break · Post by **Tea Break** » Sun May 27, 2007 2:08 pm

Originally posted by RRT2007:
Okay I dont want to sound like a know it all cause if I did, I would have my own tapes and wouldnt be having anxiety issues myself. But, the fact is with breathing. The chest is of negative pressure meaning. Even without you forcing inhalation, air flows into the lungs. So rest assured this is anxiety. Id love to bore everyone with all the physiology involved haha but just relax on that issue and know its anxiety. Plus, if your brain stops remembering to send that signal through the phrenic nerve then a lot more things stop working too. Peace in your valley as I pray will be in mine some day.

Just an FYI, you are really helping me understand a lot!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun May 27, 2007 2:25 pm

Boon
Just read your suggestion about the sticky note reminder to breathe in the car. I think it will help when I need it the most. Thanks.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon May 28, 2007 2:06 am

The breathing exercises on the relaxation CD really help!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon May 28, 2007 3:06 am

I have had the same things... and it sounds like this is related to the other post about chest pain. Holding your breath and shallow breathing can cause all those symptoms you were talking about in the other post.

There was a joke about a blonde wearing earphones all the time. One day someone took her earphones off and a few min latter she passed out. They listened to see what was playing in her ear phones and it said, "breath in....breath out.... breath in... breath out..."

When I heard that i thought oh wow... I need to borrow her tape.

LKP · Post by **LKP** » Mon May 28, 2007 4:31 pm

yeah, I'm sure the two posts I have going right now are some how related. With this particular issue, my main focus right now is to recognize when I have my shoulders tensed up (like I do right now) and to try and relax them. I don't know why they always end up so scrunched up, even when I'm just standing. I guess maybe it's where I hold my stress. ???