What is Thinking About Breathing
Thinking about breathing can be described as paying conscious attention to the flow of air in and out of your lungs, often while in a state of relaxation. It’s an act that has been practiced for thousands of years by mindfulness practitioners, yogis, and meditators.
When you think about your breath, it helps you focus on the present moment, allowing your mind to relax and become more aware of its surroundings.
10 Steps to stop Thinking About Breathing
1-Focus on your physical body:
Concentrate on the sensations of your body and how it moves when you breathe. Notice the rise and fall of your chest as you take a deep breath, or how your stomach expands with each inhales.
2-Practice mindfulness and meditation:
Mindfulness and meditation can help to refocus our attention away from conscious and unconscious thoughts about breathing, allowing us to be more present in the moment.
Practicing these techniques regularly can help train our minds to stay focused on what is happening now rather than worrying about our breathing patterns.
3-Do yoga:
Yoga is another great way to become aware of our breath without focusing too much on it consciously. Certain poses such as sun salutations, squats and forward folds can help to regulate our breathing, as well as helping us become more mindful of how we breathe.
4-Use aromatherapy:
Aromatherapy is a great way to calm our anxious thoughts about breathing by introducing calming scents into the environment. Using essential oils such as lavender or chamomile can help reduce levels of stress and make it easier to relax while focusing on something else.
5-Get outside:
Being in nature, surrounded by fresh air and beautiful scenery, is a great way to get away from worrying thoughts about your breath. Taking a walk outdoors can help us forget about our breathing patterns and just simply enjoy the moment.
Plus, being outside helps to improve oxygen intake, which is great for our overall health.
6-Acknowledge the thought:
When you catch yourself thinking about your breathing, acknowledge it and accept that it’s happening without judging yourself for it.
7-Reframe your thoughts:
Try to reframe the thought from one of fear or anxiety to one of curiosity or acceptance. For example, instead of getting caught up in worrying about not being able to take a deep breath, try saying something like “I’m noticing my breath right now” or “What does my breath feel like?”.
This can help shift your focus away from worrying and toward being mindful of what is happening with your body and breathing at that moment.
8-Redirect Your Attention:
Once you have acknowledged and reframed the thought, take a few moments to redirect your attention toward something else. This could be focusing on an object in the room, counting backward from 10, or repeating a positive affirmation.
9-Practice Breathing Exercises:
If you’re still feeling anxious about your breathing patterns, there are some simple exercises you can do to help promote relaxation and calmness. Some of these include taking slow deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth, belly breathing (focusing on expanding and contracting your stomach as you inhale and exhale), or simply sitting quietly and paying attention to each breath’s natural rhythm without attempting to manipulate it in any way.
10-Seek Professional Help:
If the thought of your breathing or any related anxiety symptoms is preventing you from living a normal life, it could be time to seek professional help.
A mental health professional can help you better understand and manage these thoughts and feelings so that they don’t take over your life.
Conclusion
By using these 10 methods, we can start to become more aware of our breathing and focus on what’s important in the present moment instead of worrying about our breath. With practice and patience, you can learn how to stop thinking about your breathing and enjoy life without any unnecessary stress!
FAQs
Q: What should I do if I can’t stop thinking about my breathing?
A: If the thought of your breathing or any related anxiety symptoms is preventing you from living a normal life, it could be time to seek professional help. A mental health professional can help you better understand and manage these thoughts and feelings so that they don’t take over your life.
Q: How often should I practice mindful breathing techniques?
A: It depends on how much time and energy you have available, but even just a few minutes per day can make a big difference in helping to calm anxious thoughts about your breath. As with any new habit, consistency is key! The more regularly you practice, the better your results will be.
Q: Are there any other techniques besides mindful breathing to reduce anxiety about my breath?
A: Yes! Things such as getting outside, acknowledging the thought, reframing your thoughts, redirecting your attention, and seeking professional help can all help decrease anxious thoughts related to your breath. Additionally, using essential oils or practicing relaxation exercises such as yoga or meditation are great ways to promote overall well-being.
