Breathe

For some reason breath is the first idea that pops into my head today.  I am feeling somewhat anxious - I mean more than the usual anxiety that always seems to accompany me.  This has been a difficult summer.  It is my first summer as a single mom.  Thinking back to last year I was still with my Ex, and while things were difficult I was still in survival mode and did not really have the time or want to think about how it felt.  I just looked to the next hour or the next day until suddenly the summer was over and there I was single.  I do not regret that decision (the part where I left) at all but since then I have had to worry about how I am going to provide the basics to my child like food, clothes, and a home.  Unlike other single moms I do not receive money from my Ex and we do not have a shared custody arrangement so if I need anything I have to rely on my family or friends.  This in itself causes me a great deal of stress.  It has always been difficult for me to ask for help but since having Isabella it is all I seem to do.  I feel very fortunate and yet very strained to always have to reach out to others because it is impossible for me to do this on my own.  I do not know how women do this on their own without a network of people.  

So as I try this summer to balance my hours worked with the hours paid out in babysitting and calling on every person I know left in the city I occasionally remind myself to breathe.  

Breath

The "HA" breath

This is my favorite one in Pilates because it makes your abs work without having to think so much about it

• first cough or laugh so you can feel what the sensation is suppose to be like
  
• take that feeling and deepen it so say "HA" while pulling your navel back as deep as possible

This can be practiced anywhere but try to use it the next time you do crunches in the gym or during your next Pilates workout : )

The deep relaxation breath or "Belly Breath"

This is great when you are stressed out more than normal and have a few minutes. Usually if you are under intense stress you will notice that your breathing tends to be more in your chest, which can lead to more stress and a feeling of anxiety.  The ability to breath is shortened.  

• Place one hand on your chest and the other over your navel
  
• Breath and feel which hand begins to move higher. If it is the hand on your chest try to bring the breath lower toward the navel.  
  
• As you inhale try to expand the belly into your hand and as you exhale try to pull it away.  
  
• Making these breaths longer and slower will eventually help relax your mind and in turn calm down some of your immediate anxiety.