How to stop thinking about breathing?
Thinking about our breath is an important part of any meditative practice. It gives us a focus point to return to every time we find our mind has become distracted. Some people, however, can become fixated on the breath, even when they aren’t meditating. This can be a sign of anxiety or an oncoming panic attack. What can we do to ease these anxious thoughts and stop thinking about your breath?
Our body’s respiratory system is incredibly complex. It’s a series of physiological processes that work together to keep us alive, even when we’re not thinking about it. Your body is constantly regulating the rate of your breathing, 24 hours of the day, trying to keep you alive. Automatically.
Unfortunately, it’s possible to start overthinking the breathing process. If we focus too much on this process instead of letting it happen naturally, it can skyrocket our anxiety and turn into a vicious cycle that results in negative thoughts and dread. This can be related to anxiety disorders. Our body may be sending us signals that something is wrong, and triggering our flight or fight responses. While at the same time, our logical brain knows there’s nothing wrong!
Luckily, there’s ways to regain control:
Take slow breaths
Focusing on the breath further, but attempting to drag it out slowly, can allow us to regain control and lower our heart rate and anxiety. You’ll be able to relax into your natural breathing patterns after consciously slowing it down. Remember, you’re in control
Give your brain something else to do
Instead of getting trapped in the endless loop of your breath, focus on some other finite task. Do the dishes, or consciously make an effort to read, or attentively listen to music. Distract yourself from your own breathing pattern. If you interrupt your pattern of thoughts, you can recover from a dangerous anxiety spiral.
Talk it out
Find a loved one or therapist to discuss your anxiety or breathing issues with. You’ll feel less alone in your struggle with your thoughts. You may also be able to release some emotion related to whatever issue is causing you anxiety in that moment.
Exercise regularly
Focusing on your breathing is caused by levels of stress, that then spin out of control. Regular exercise releases endorphins and reduces stress levels, which can be helpful in managing generalized anxiety and intrusive thoughts.
If your breathing is regularly becoming an intrusive thought or causing you distress, it may be important to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor may help you through your journey with anxiety, and come up with plans to help you manage these intrusive thoughts.
Your body will take care of breathing all on it’s own. Of course, it doesn’t always feel that way. Make sure to give yourself a few coping mechanisms when your mind becomes obsessed with the breath, many of the ones we’ve listed have the ability to break a cycle of intrusive negative thoughts, and get your breathing back to a nice relaxing tempo.
