Breathing Anxiety
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi All,
I've noticed that breathing symptoms are mentioned quite a lot on here. I am currently suffering with it where i am constantly aware of my breathing and i feel like i need to manually breathe otherwise i will stop. Then get scared and the loop begins.
When i am engaged enough in something to forget about it, it completely disappears within seconds. How do i stop getting in the way of something that's automatic? I am the one causing the whole problem by obsessing over it, it sounds so silly. Does anyone have any good distraction techniques to keep your mind from obsessing? I am aware i should not push the thoughts and feelings away, i am good at letting them sit there but i struggle to keep my mind properly engaged, even at work when i am busy.
Thank you
0 likes, 7 replies
stella58218 Miranda123
Posted
This is one of my main symptoms it's with me day and night! It's so annoying, I wish I had the answer, when I go to bed at night I can practice breathing and it eases, but during the day it's really hard to control! Your def not alone it's awful
Miranda123 stella58218
Posted
It's awful isn't it.. its almost like i cant remember what its like to not obsess about breathing. I get jealous of people around that just breathe without thinking about it. So annoying. I;m the same at night i seem to be able to switch off a bit more but in the day i feel like i barely make it though each day at the moment!
lindathepinda Miranda123
Posted
Apparantly your breathing is asking for attention, so you best give in to that. Take some time before work or during breaks to practice the 'pursed lips breathing' exercise, which is very simple but also very effective. There used to be a link to the exercise on this page but it seems to have vanished. You can find plenty of descriptions online though.
There is nothing wrong with observing your breathing, important though, is to give it some loving attention and regain trust in your breathing. With the pursed lips exercise you will be doing exactly that. It takes some perseverance and discipline, but if you practice every day you will soon notice to that you will start to trust your breathing again and will be able to just let it do its thing and focus on other things, and as a big plus you will feel much better overall.
Miranda123 lindathepinda
Posted
Thanks a lot Linda. I have printed off the pursed breathing technique so i can practice. I feel like i get close to trusting it again but it just takes one more little thought that crops up and I'm back in the midst of it again.
Thanks for your help i will try the breathing exercise throughout the day until i get the hang of it
jan34534 Miranda123
Posted
Whenever that happens there is a way to take control of this. An method called Mindfulness is taught all over the world. You are aware, but it's a more natural, calm approach where you don't get anxious about breathing.
when you are at home and in a quiet environment, search for "mindfulness breathing guided meditation 10 minutes" on YouTube.
Miranda123 jan34534
Posted
Thank you Jan. I will have a look. I've heard all about it but I never stick with It long enough which isn't very useful. I am determined to work hard at this though.
jan34534 Miranda123
Posted