At a time of year when many people are at their most hectic with final exams, work responsibilities, vacation planning and other stresses, it is no wonder that there may be some anxiety. Worry and fear that we won’t get everything done or be successful in our tasks often leads to lack of sleep, a racing heart, nausea, headaches and panic attacks. Unfortunately, it’s a nasty cycle because the symptoms of being anxious can interfere with our ability to check those things off our list and sometimes affect our social interactions, too, making us feel even worse.

When we become anxious or worried, we naturally shorten our breath. When this happens, oxygen doesn’t get to our brain effectively and we have trouble focusing or concentrating. This lack of concentration makes it hard for us to be calm and centered. The important thing to remember is that we can lessen stress and gain focus by breathing and channeling our inner peace.

Why does breathing work? The breath is one of our best resources for healing, and deep breathing actually helps to activate our immune system and release serotonin, the hormone that makes us feel good. Of course, we breathe involuntarily without thinking much about it, but when we take a moment to focus on that breathing, we now override our brain. We are connecting ourselves to this action of breathing now, and as a result, we can control our focus and activate our parasympathetic nervous system, causing our body to relax.

Breathe in for a count of five, hold it for a count of two, then exhale to a count of seven. When you do this, notice the rise and fall of your chest and belly and tune in to the feeling of the breath in your throat. Do this several times. If any other thoughts come up, acknowledge them and then re-focus on your breath. With every inhale, envision energy and peace touching every cell in your body. With every exhale, envision worry and stress leaving the body. Do this for five to 10 minutes every day and even for a few minutes in very stressful moments.

If you can control your breath, you can control your stress.

The pure light in me honors and respects the same in you. Namaste.

Jennifer Russo