Conscious breathing is being aware of your breath as you breathe in and out. Usually, we breathe without thinking about the process. Instead, it is an involuntary action that happens.
We only become aware of our breathing when we are in a difficult situation.
For example, holding your breath underwater, exercising strenuously, or even being emotional will make you focus on your breathing.
But for some individuals, breathing is a very conscious act. They are aware of every breath they take, and this is detrimental to their health. In addition, it leads to other health and mental issues, which can have serious consequences.
Is Conscious Breathing Good?
Conscious breathing is beneficial. It is the main step in meditating. You have to breathe deeply and slowly and be aware of every breath.
When you practice conscious breathing, you can feel calm and connect to yourself. It reduces your stress levels and eases your anxiety issues. It also helps your body physically.
Some of the benefits of conscious breathing are :
- Regulates blood pressure
- Maintains a healthy heart
- Improves respiratory functions
- Improves metabolism and digestion
- Relieves mood swings
- Helps to sleep better
It is easy to begin conscious breathing, and the results can be felt immediately.
Why Can’t You Breathe Without Thinking About It?
It can be a problem when you are constantly thinking about your breathing. This is an indication of a deeper issue. In medical terms, this is described as a Sensorimotor Obsession or Somatic OCD.
This is a type of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It is when the individual has an obsession with a bodily function or a physical sensation. This causes anxiety and stress and only aggravates the condition.
The solution to this is to get professional help. If left untreated, this condition can seriously affect your quality of life. You need to investigate the reason why you are so focused on your breathing.
How Can You Stop It?
To stop yourself from thinking about breathing is to first stay calm. The more you worry about your breathing, the more anxious you will feel. Simply stay calm and focus on some other activity.
By distracting yourself, you can forget about your breathing. In time, your breathing will be natural and will flow freely.
When you become aware that you are watching your breathing, you should immediately train your mind to shift its focus. But, again, constant practice will make this easier.
Are There Any Exercises That Can Help You?
You can try a few tips to help you stop thinking of breathing. They are:
- Interact with family and friends
- Do some cooking or gardening
- Go running
- Sing loudly
- Watch a movie
- Play a musical instrument
In addition to the above, you can also try some breathing exercises. They are :
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Belly breathing
- Relaxed awareness breathing
Select the most appropriate one for you and start practicing it. Once you are comfortable, you will notice that your breathing will be more natural.
How Long Does It Take To Get Rid Of It?
It all depends on the individual. When you are constantly conscious of your breathing, you are in a state of agitation and distress. This is not good for you, mentally or physically.
If you do the required exercises and commit yourself to follow them strictly, you can get rid of the problem. Another option would be to consult a therapist who can provide additional support.
All of this can take time, but as long as you follow through, you can overcome this problem.
However, since breathing is a natural function, you can get back to normal breathing before long.
You may also need to work on any stress or other concerns that cause you to overthink your breathing.
Final Thoughts on How To Stop Conscious Breathing
Getting back to the natural flow of breathing can be challenging. But the important fact to remember is to not give up. The more you worry about your breathing, the more difficult it will be to recover.
While conscious breathing is extremely beneficial to your well-being, you must not let it dominate your natural breathing. You must not allow your breathing to become restrictive and controlled. Instead, work towards having a balance and enjoying an enriching life.