Remembering to Breathe
It’s been a long day of full flight after full flight. I feel stressed, overwhelmed, and exhausted from my early morning commute and late schedule. I almost feel panicky but not quite, just the signs creeping upon me. I realize that I need to breathe to help myself calm down. The problem is I still have two more flights to go before I can melt into my hotel room bed. How can I help myself make it through these last two flights tonight?
Your situation may be slightly different from mine, but does this feeling sound familiar? It’s such an uncomfortable feeling, and it often leads to frustration. Five years of flying the “friendly skies” and four years of grad school have taught me the importance of checking in with my emotions when I feel good and when I recognize that I’m feeling bad. It’s so easy to give in to this feeling of frustration and let the stress take over, but I’ve learned to ask myself, is giving in to this feeling worth it?
Remember to Breathe.
As cliche as it sounds, sometimes all it takes is a deep breath to help yourself focus and regulate your emotions. The positive effects of slow and focused deep breathing are often instantaneous. It’s no wonder when the benefits of deep breathing include:
Decrease in stress
Reduction in anxiety
Increases attention
Assists with focus
Lowering blood pressure
Emotion regulation
And so much more. I often encourage my clients and fellow aviators to practice deep Breathing using various exercises such as deep cleansing breaths, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation etc.…
Cleansing Breaths + 5-7-8 Breathing, what a combo
One of my favorite exercises involves three cleansing breaths, where you take deep icy breaths in through the nose, and hot and heavy soft roars out through the mouth, followed by three deep inhales, three pauses, and three deep exhales. This is called 5-7-8 Breathing, and its effects are amazing. You have got to give it a try.
Practice this breathing exercise with me below using either the written instructions or following along with the video.
Remember, sometimes you may forget to breathe, but it’s okay ‘cus I’m here to remind you.
Peacefully
Keyayanna Rei
