Pausing to Take a Deep Breath…

Many of our TeachBeyond members are on summer break from school that is supposed to be relaxing. We’re supposed to be enjoying a different pace of life. However, plans quickly get made and the long list of things to do often creates a different fast-paced summer. Other TeachBeyond members might be in the middle of a school year, with a full schedule with lists of things to get done, and a deadline for each. Our schedules can quickly fill up regardless of the season.  

When anxiety and stress are high, one technique is to focus on our breathing, to calm and reset our autonomic nervous system. This part of the nervous system helps regulate our heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and digestion. It may feel awkward to focus on your breathing, when we are technically already breathing. Without it we would not be alive!  

As a child, I remember trying to trick my mom into thinking I was sleeping. As she walked away, I heard her tell someone, “No, she isn’t sleeping, her breathing is too shallow and fast.” Thinking I was going to learn from my novice mistake, I would next time breath slower. Slowly breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, relax for 4 seconds, then repeat. The only problem is when I used these newly learned skills, I would actually fall asleep. Little did I know I was applying a therapeutic technique for reducing anxiety and stress. Pausing to take deep breaths from our abdomen for a few minutes calms our nervous system, relaxes our body, and often clears or calms our minds. 

Similar to a few minutes of deep breathing is the power of focused prayer. For some, prayer is a constant way of life with mini conversations to the Lord all day. But there is something about pausing in our day, to give undivided time to the Lord about the things that consume our minds, that may result in a relaxed and calmer mindset to what previously troubled our minds. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 

When was the last time you took 5 minutes to reset your autonomic nervous system and calm your mind as you refocus through breathing and prayer? May you use these tools to pause, take a deep breath, and reconnect with your body and the Lord. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30