The Invisible Magic: How Breathing Can Boost Your Mental Health

Laurie Moser . Published August 8, 2023

Source: unsplash

Hey there, moms, let's chat about something that's hiding in plain sight but packs a serious punch for your mental well-being – your breath. Yeah, you heard that right! Breathing isn't just something your body does automatically; it's like a secret weapon for your mind too. So, let's dive into why breathing is such a big deal for keeping your mental game strong.

The Sneaky Connection: Breathing and Feeling Good

Picture this: you're feeling all stressed out, heart racing, and mind racing even faster. Maybe, you just had a very intense and upsetting interaction with your teen. Now, take a moment to notice your breath – chances are, it's shallow and quick. See, your body and mind are tight buddies, and the way you breathe can influence how you feel. When you're calm, your breath becomes slow and steady. But when you're anxious, it's like your breath gets the jitters too. That's because your breath and your feelings are BFFs, and they’re powerful communicators with each other.

Breathing's Power Over Your Brain

Here's the thing – your breath doesn't just affect how you feel; it also talks to your brain. Imagine your brain getting a text from your breath that says, "Hey, things are cool, relax!" When you take deep, slow breaths, you're basically hitting the chill button in your brain. You're telling it to release these cool chemicals called neurotransmitters that make you feel relaxed, calm and happy. It's like magic, right?

Chilling Out the Stress with Your Breath

Stress is like that uninvited guest who just won't leave. But guess what? Your breath can show it the door! When you take slow, deep breaths, you're actually taming stress. Your breath talks to your body (the vagus nerve), which hits the brakes on stress and amps up the relaxation vibes. So, when you're feeling frazzled, take a minute to breathe deep and slow breaths. Remember, stress is not a bad thing. It becomes harmful for your mental health, when you’re constantly feeling stressed.

Breathing: The Emotional DJ

You know how music can change your mood? Well, your breath is like the DJ of your emotions. Ever notice how taking a few deep and slow breaths can turn a crappy moment into a not-so-bad one? That's because your breath can dial down intense emotions. It gives you a backstage pass to your feelings, letting you decide how to respond instead of just reacting. You're in control, and your breath is your trusty tool.

Mindfulness? Meet Your Breath

Now, let's talk about mindfulness – that fancy word everyone's buzzing about. It's like giving your full attention to the moment you're in. And guess what's the best tour guide to mindfulness? Yep, your breath! Your breath is like the anchor keeping you grounded in the now. When you focus on it, you're not drifting away with your thoughts. You're right here, experiencing this moment, and that's pretty powerful stuff. Try focused breathing exercises, that involve counting. This really helps to keep you present in the moment.

In a Nutshell

So, here's the deal: your breath isn't just air going in and out of your lungs. It's like a secret weapon to boost your mental health. It's your mood manager, your stress slayer, and your mindfulness mentor. The next time you're feeling a bit off, had a stressful or upsetting interaction with your teen, just remember, you've got the power of your breath at your fingertips. Plus, you can be the example for your teen on how to take control of your emotions in the moment. Teens are quick to react. Breathing is a powerful tool that is available to help ALL of us regulate our emotions better. Take a deep, slow breath and embrace the magic of breath.

You've got this!