I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here.
Today’s tip is to breathe. In for a count of 3, hold for 3, exhale for 3, and pause for 3. Repeat for a few minutes.
I practice yoga regularly, and across a few years, I actually started to believe and trust that my breath mattered. Too often breathing is a secondary, albeit necessary, activity while exercising. We breathe because we have to, not because we consciously focus on it.
My wife suggested this, as something she does with her students when they get stressed with horses. Slow down and pause by breathing. Specifically, count to three as you breathe in. Then hold your breath for an equal count. Exhale for the same count, and then pause before you take another breath for the same count.
It’s surprising how much concentration this takes, and also how it will relax you and slow your heart rate. Take a few minutes and try this today.
For me, I do this regularly now, especially when I feel too busy and stressed, or I’m unsure of what to do next. I get the paralysis from too many choices at times, and stopping to breath for a minute or two can help me relax.