This post deals with Chapter 6 in A Mind Frozen in Time, which focuses on the therapeutic technique of Deep Breathing. In the therapy setting, many people ask, “Why learn how to breath? It happens automatically, doesn’t it?” This is an honest question, and the answer is Yes and No. Yes, the body will breath automatically. However, when revved up due to high levels of stress, the body tends to exhibit very shallow breathing which increases the sensation of anxiety and body tension.
Why does this matter? To get the full benefit of the way the lungs are designed, we need to breath deep into the belly or abdomen. The lower lung areas are where the majority of blood vessels are for the exchange of oxygen. When we have shallow breathing, the lungs are being utilized in an inefficient manner. For coping with anxiety or stress, two things happen. First, the act of focusing on your breathing helps divert your attention from the stressful situation. This in itself can help reduce the sense of urgency about current stress. Second, deep breathing gets the body to relax as an automatic process.
Many individuals when first introduced to this technique for coping with stress have expressed disbelief or skepticism at its usefulness. Also, many have come back later and attested to the benefits and simplicity of the technique which can be used most anywhere in most any situation. Chapter 6 outlines how the Deep Breathing technique works and the steps to follow when first learning it.
At the beginning of PTSD recovery, many people are feeling overwhelmed many times every day. The use of a simple but useful strategy for reducing anxiety and regaining control over your own physical and mental processes can bring a spark of hope that is much needed early on in this process. Remember: You must first control yourself before you will truly be able to control anything else. Practice daily.
