School is back in session and parents everywhere are deeply immersed in the hustle and bustle of the school and work week. It’s not easy to find moments where you can just catch your breath, destress and relax. My challenge to you as the stress of your day begins to feel insurmountable, take a moment to yourself and try one of these simple breathing techniques.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a vendor I have chosen to work with. I have received either paid compensation and/or free product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own based only on my own experience.
5 Ways to Breathe Easy
Morning Mindfulness
There is a great video on mindfulness I show my students every year. It’s 60 minutes special on taking time each day to be present and in the moment while focusing only on your breath. Each morning in homeroom we take 5 minutes to find a comfortable spot, close our eyes, and just focus on our breathing. It’s such a peaceful way to begin the morning and sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Deep breathing exercises
One of the best strategies I’ve used when I’m stressed to the max is to lock myself in a quiet space and do some deep breathing using the 4:7:8 method. Take a deep breathe in through your nose (breathing through your abdomen, not your chest) for 4 seconds. Hold for a count of 7 and exhale for 8 seconds slowly through your mouth. Continue until you feel calmer and your breathing becomes steady.
Pick Up Some Essential Oils
Essential oils have been used since the dawn of man for medicinal purposes as well as to improve overall health and wellbeing. It’s no wonder it’s popularity continue to be on the rise in modern times as well. With all of the chemicals we are bombarded with on a daily basis now, it makes sense to return to our roots and make use of what is naturally found in nature to heal and calm our bodies. My favorite essential oil box is from Simply Earth which includes nothing but 100% pure essential oils in their box. You receive 4 essential oils and several recipe cards along a big bonus box every few months for a DIY’ers dream. Use the code: GOODENUFMOMMYFREE to receive a big bonus box on your first order and a $20 coupon for future orders also.
Meditate before you fall asleep
An easy strategy to relax before you sleep is to lie in bed in a comfortable position and visualize each part of your body falling asleep one at a time. Starting at your feet, relax your toes, feet, and ankles. Move up your legs and relax your knees and hips, breathing as you go. Continue up your body all the way up to your head. Usually by the time I read my hairline I’m already fast asleep!
Breathe clean
As a teacher, inevitably I catch my first winter cold around the end of September. Classroom air is almost always stuffy and dry. My go-to has always been a humidifier, but I’ve worried in the past about it becoming a big ol’bacteria trap. I’m partial to the Dyson humidifier which uses Ultraviolet clean technology to kill 99.9% of bacteria in the water and distributes it evenly throughout the room. I’m in love…
Check it out for yourself!
What are your favorite ways to decompress when you are getting back into the school routine? Leave a comment below – I’d love to hear your suggestions.
The Good Enuf Mommy
Thank you, I needed this today. It has been an absolutely insane day and I am feeling overwhelmed. Just breathe…
Hugs to you Allison!
We are obsessed with humidifiers around our house! With these four little ones, having clean air is super important. Great post and what an awesome giveaway:)
I agree! Especially for kids!
Mindfulness is so powerful. It is a huge part of my day and has been for the past year. It’s really helped direct me. I used to mediate daily and then I stopped, I definitely need to pick it up again, it’s amazing how much my breathing has changed without it. Great post and awesome reminder.
Great suggestions!!! I’m all about meditation and clearing my mind. Crazy how some peace and quite can change your entire mood!
This post is exactly what I needed to read after my stressful Monday at work! Such a great reminder.
The new breathe app on my iWatch actually helps remind me to take a minute to myself and just close my eyes and breathe. It is really nice!
What a great post, Tiffany!If you ask me then I must say that these are perfect ways to begin your day. Concerning the working moms, these can be very useful tips to de-stress and relax their mind.
Thanks Cara! I agree
Great tips! I really, REALLY need to start meditating. I feel like it would be really beneficial.
The Dyson humidifier looks so cool! Also, I love how you practice getting present in home room!!!! Wow, what an incredible teacher!!! I’ve been having trouble unwinding before bed and wI’ll use your recommendation of meditation for sure. ❤️
great tips! I am super into meditation now and I have noticed a huge reduction in my stress levels.
I know that breathing is so helpful. I teach it to my clients, but I forget to do it myself. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks for the chance to win one – a dyson humidifier is on my WISHLIST!!!!!
I really appreciate this list. I want to try to do more with mindfulness. Thanks for sharing the video.
That’s wonderful! Thank you for stopping by!
Very interesting post indeed. Thank you so much for sharing it. Having to work all day, like most people do, it can be difficult to find time throughout the day to alleviate accumulated stress. For that reason, whenever I do find time, I try to take full advantage of it by listening to music, grabbing a bite to eat, or, as was mentioned in this article, doing breathing exercises or meditating before falling asleep. I find it very soothing, so I recommend every one find their best ways to relax after a stressful day. It definitely helps!
A great reminder of the basic steps that we often forget. Thanks!