When my friend Lindsay asked if I wanted to participate in a 30 Day Deep Breathing Challenge my first thought was I’m way too busy. Then I managed to take a step back only to realize the timing was perfect. This is a transitional time of year for many of us – school’s starting, the seasons are changing and life as we know it is being shaken up. I’m the first to admit that I don’t always handle change very well so a few deep breaths are much needed.
Over the years I’ve incorporated deep breathing or meditation into my life, but generally only on an as needed basis. Overall life seems to get so busy and my deep breathing gets shuffled to the end of the to-do list.
What is the 30 Day Deep Breathing Challenge?
There’s a simple theory out there which says deep breathing (meditation) is linked to a more relaxed and happy life. Hard to deny that and I’ve experienced it firsthand. Simply put- it works.
The challenge is easy: Every day for the next 30 days commit to doing deep breathing at some point throughout the day.
I’ll be deep breathing along with several other bloggers. You can follow the conversation on Twitter with the #BreatheDeep hashtag, and follow their blogs: Lindsay Dahl, EnviroBooty, Conscientious Confusion, Made in USA Challenge, Tea with Dee, Jen and Joey Go Green, Almost All the Truth , Green4u, and more!
Tips for Deep Breathing or Meditation
- Deep breathing can happen anywhere. Find what works for you.
- There is no right or wrong way to deep breathe.
- Smile. Try it. Smiling keeps you relaxed and focused.
- Find a time that works for you. Maybe it’s when you wake up or after the kids leave for school.
- Focus on your breath. Keep coming back to it as other thoughts try to push in.
- Practice makes perfect. Well not really- we’re not shooting for perfection, but practicing does help.
When I first began meditating the book Meditation for Beginners by Jack Kornfield was very helpful.
So are you up for the challenge? I would love to have you join in!
photo credit: tamra hays via photopin cc>
I will try! I can’t wait to start.
Tanya recently posted..Sneak Peek! Necklaces!!
Thank you Lori for participating! So far I’m already having fun and it’s great to do such a simple and important challenge side by side with women like you!
Lindsay recently posted..Day 1: Deep Breathing Challenge
This is a great idea, I think I will give this a try! Just need to figure out when would be a good time.
I am with you sisters!!! Enjoying it immensely BTW.
[email protected] recently posted..Top Party Schools? Who Cares? How About America’s Top 10 Greenest Colleges?
I have been exploring and writing about the types and benefits of meditation, so I am up for the challenge! Looking forward to connecting with you all.
Deborah Davis recently posted..Food for Thought: 10 Foods That Feed Your Brain
Absolutely … I’m IN! I’m like you … I’ve always meditated and enjoyed deep breathing on an “as needed” basis. I’m going to step up and make it a part of every day. The beauty of this 30-day challenge is that when we accomplish an act for 30 days, it typically becomes a habit. Thanks for the encouragement to breathe deeply!
Small Footprints recently posted..Change The World Wednesday (#CTWW) – Zero Waste Week
I purposely try to control my breathing in certain situation to lower my resting heart rate / avoid anxiety.
Dave Bohr recently posted..What’s in your gym bag? Here’s the contents in mine:
I also love meditating but it’s hard to fit into your life. It’s only 30 minutes but somehow once a week is best i can do.
Let’s see if the 30 day challenge can help.
Anne recently posted..Vijf redenen om vandaag tot actie over te gaan