The Importance of Slowing Down: Breathing for Better Wellbeing
Written on
Chapter 1: The Need to Slow Down
When I advised someone to "slow down and breathe," I could feel their frustration.
As a personal trainer, many expected me to drive them to their limits, pushing them to the brink of exhaustion. However, when I suggested they take a moment to slow down, focus on their breath, and pace themselves, I often encountered skepticism. But once they tried it, the results were clear. Slowing down made their workouts more challenging in a constructive manner, easing their self-doubt. Clients frequently noted that they felt more empowered, optimistic, and connected to themselves. They learned that being out of breath does not necessarily indicate a successful workout.
I, too, struggled to incorporate slowing down and breathing into my own life. This personal experience fuels my passion for discussing the concept of stillness. I understood the impact of someone urging me to slow down. Despite having experienced significant transformations through various practices of stillness myself, I wanted to see if they could help my clients as well.
I emphasize the importance of slowing down because many of us are moving too quickly. We need to learn to decelerate rather than pile on more tasks.
Section 1.1: The Fast-Paced Lifestyle
The women I trained often held demanding jobs dedicated to helping others. I also worked with mothers and entrepreneurs whose schedules were packed, leaving little room for self-care. They were in a constant state of activity. Introducing an intense workout to their already stressful routines added another layer of pressure.
In my early twenties, I trained excessively. While my physical appearance changed, my mental state remained anxious, insecure, and always seeking external validation. It was draining. I exercised every day, adhered to a restrictive diet, and dismissed the idea of rest. I was committed to the notion that pushing harder equated to better results, which ultimately led to chronic illness.
After recovering, I returned to intense training, yet I failed to learn my lesson. I loaded up the squat bar to showcase my strength, but this led to severe spinal issues and chronic pain for years. The cost was too high.
When I could no longer train, I gradually began to approach exercise differently, eating more and prioritizing my health. It dawned on me how much I had focused on physical fitness while overlooking crucial aspects like emotional well-being and stillness.
Section 1.2: The Impact of Stress
Living in a constant state of stress can become our norm, leading us to believe this is how life should be—always at full speed. However, this lifestyle often results in anxiety, burnout, and various health issues—similar to my own experiences.
The women I worked with had a strong desire to excel, serve others, and live meaningful lives, yet many found themselves feeling lost and unwell. This is where we learned the importance of deep breathing and slowing down. We trained our minds to appreciate steadiness and recognize the value of the journey. Productivity is not synonymous with frantic speed.
The science backs this up: our autonomic nervous system governs essential bodily functions, including heart rate and digestion. It comprises two systems: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. These systems work together yet are oppositional in their functions.
Our sympathetic nervous system reacts to stress, preparing our bodies for perceived threats. When we are in a constant state of stress, it can lead to various health problems, including anxiety and panic attacks. For me, it also resulted in self-doubt and perfectionist tendencies.
Conversely, our parasympathetic nervous system regulates our bodies during calmer times. When we allow ourselves to breathe and recuperate, this system helps restore balance, aiding digestion and promoting a peaceful mind.
Chapter 2: Embracing Stillness
The first video discusses techniques to slow down our perception of time, emphasizing the benefits of mindfulness and breathing.
The second video explores scientific insights into how slowing down can alter our experience of time, highlighting the importance of mindfulness.
By tapping into our parasympathetic nervous system, we can enhance our productivity and well-being. This method allows us to approach tasks with a steady mindset rather than relying on adrenaline and stress.
Even now, I find it challenging to shift from a focused work state to enjoying a moment of calm during my lunch break. The temptation to rush through tasks can be overwhelming, but slowing down is not about halting progress. My daily efforts remain diligent, and my vision for the future is clear. Stepping back has helped me understand my priorities better.
When we refuse to incorporate breath and stillness into our daily routines, we compromise the quality of our experiences. It's hard to gain clarity when we are perpetually pushing ahead, which may explain why we feel overwhelmed and disconnected.
Clients often found that deep breathing diminished their thoughts of quitting, allowing them to focus on their breath. While distractions and doubts will always exist, practicing breathing techniques helps to lessen their intensity.
By prioritizing mindful movement and breathing, we become more aware of our capabilities and limitations. Acknowledging what we cannot do is essential, as it sets realistic goals and fosters growth. Rushing through processes can hinder our progress, just as it did when I sustained a back injury.
External accolades may be gratifying, but they often mask a deeper sense of something missing. Our bodies signal the need for rest, yet we often ignore this inner guidance.
Developing a trained mind requires time and effort, but this slower approach is ultimately healthier. It teaches us to discern when to push forward and when to retreat, allowing us to cultivate quality and perseverance without relying on adrenaline.
Focusing on our breath helps restore our natural state of tranquility and stillness. We discover an inner reservoir of strength and confidence, enabling us to navigate life without the chronic rush and stress.
References:
Gould, D. & Weignberg, R. (2015). Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology.