Just Breathe......the Right Way!

        Last night, I attended Dr. Chris Dula's lecture about managing Anxiety & Stress. This was an hour long lecture that seemed to fly by in just minutes. The fact that the topic was interesting and relevant, coupled with Dr. Dula's  dynamic presentation style, had me wishing it had been longer. This was no small feat considering it was 8p.m. on a Wednesday night following a 3 hour lecture class, a 40 minute drive home afterwards, and a 12 hour day to looking forward to today. If I am being honest, I would have to say that I went into the lecture tired, hungry, and with an attitude akin to Oscar the Grouch. However, after just a few minutes of hearing, "Good Vibrations" by the Beach Boys during the prelude, my mood improved greatly and I found me feet tapping along to the beat!
         Dr. Dula began by explaining that Anxiety & Stress is an important issue because we all experience it in some way. Most likely, we ourselves or someone close to us is battling with it  right now. It was apparent that Dr. Dula feels very passionate about this is subject . He openly shared about his own struggle with stress headaches and panic attacks as well as the physiologically workings of anxiety. Then, he outlined the ways to combat it. I personally found this to be extremely helpful because my husband and son both suffer from GAD and panic attacks. Unless you have experienced one for yourself or watched a loved one go through it, you have not idea how awful it truly is. An anxiety disorder sucks the joy out of  life and panic attacks rob a person of all dignity and confidence. So, I was very excited to learn anything that might help. 

He offered 3 non-drug approaches to elevate anxiety  symptoms and panic attacks:
1. Progressive Muscle Relaxation- Which involves systematically tightening then releasing muscle groups beginning with the foot and progressing upward to the head.
2. Deep Breathing Technique-  Deep cleansing breathes are performed from the diaphragm to rid the lungs of stale air and increase oxygen saturation in the blood. 
3. A Combination of the Two Techniques-  Producing an overall state of calm. 

            I have no doubt that  these techniques do work as they would directly counteract the symptoms of adrenaline during period of anxiety and panic attacks. However, the most surprising thing to me was the realization that deep breathing would be a beneficial practice for everyone, not just those with anxiety issues. After taking a few breathes, the right way, as Dr. Dula instructed, I could feel the difference instantly. I came way from the lecture determined to make deep breathing a daily exercise.  The fact is - BREATHING IS LIFE - and I want to have the best life possible. I hope to improve my overall health by re-learning this most basic, but necessary process. 

In closing, I want to encourage everyone to attend this lecture. It is free, educational, inspiring, and FUN!