help needed pls: Anxiety/ exercise / breathing question

redefiningmyself
redefiningmyself Posts: 476 Member
edited December 18 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all,

I need some help. There are major issues going on at my workplaces. In one location a co-workers baby died, so she's been off for a month and a half already. At my other work, my co-worker is off for shoulder surgery. I've been covering for both of them in addition to my own shifts.

I have to cover for both as I'm the only one qualified to do so, plus my husband lost his job so we need the money.

I've been working about 60 hours a week, plus another 10 hours or more for the commute each week.

So I haven't had the time to exercise as much as I was able to previously.

Ok, so here's my problem...now due to the anxiety and stress of life, I have a hard time breathing deeply - which is normal as its the body's response to the stress. However, when I try to exercise (which I know will help my stress) I find I still can't breathe deeply enough, even when I try to conciously force it. So I end up getting light headed and dizzy from a lack of oxygen and end up having to quit sooner then planned.

I don't know what to do about this. Any suggestions?

(BTW, I am a holistic healer and am meditating regularly, working on the breath, but it helps in day to day stuff but its still feeling constricted during exercise)

Replies

  • anewattitude
    anewattitude Posts: 483 Member
    Is it possible when you start exercising that you begin at too fast of a pace? I know that happens to me and then its nearly impossible to catch that breath. If you are not starting off too fast then maybe you need to do some relaxation techniques before you start to exercise. Try and clear your mind Before you begin your workout and block out the day. I tend to let my mind race and rehash the things that are bothering me... which is not good. Let it all go while you are at the gym. That is YOUR time and in that hour, you can not change the external factors in your world causing you the stress but you can try and just focus on the task at hand. Play some music that is motivating to you and mentally re-assure yourself that you are fine and that you feel great. Convince your mind that you are feeling great.. the positive affirmations should naturally help to relax you and hopefully you can improve your breathing patterns.

    Not sure if that made sense.. but I hope it did! :)
  • redefiningmyself
    redefiningmyself Posts: 476 Member
    I don't start out too fast as I'm mostly just walking. I'd like to be able to get back to jogging, but I don't have the time right now. I will try the relaxation techniques before walking, hopefully that will help.

    anyone else ever have this problem?
  • butterfliespink
    butterfliespink Posts: 121
    I understand that you are into holistic medicines, but if you are having a difficult time breathing, it COULD be asthma. I just recently developed asthma. I do find Reishi capsules helpful, as they are a natural anti-inflammatory and therefore relaxes the bronchial tubes. Plus, Reishi has so many health benefits that it's worth taking anyway!! :)
  • maab_connor
    maab_connor Posts: 3,927 Member
    i have anxiety disorder and when i walk i breathe in two paces, out three or four. i say go to a quiet park. walk without music, let nature help calm you. and focus breath with pace. i know that helps me.

    when i'm walking anxious, i can't wear my earbuds. techno does NOT help. kinda the opposite. LOL

    breathing through stretches helps too, as a holistic healer, you know that. remember to ground yourself to the earth when you stretch, that helps me a lot too. one of my friends (she and i are both pagan, so this is more of a pagan way of thinking) is able to do visualization when walking, lifting the leg up and letting the stress go, putting her leg down and drawing in the power of Mother Earth. it helps her a lot. i can't focus that well when i'm walking. i can't really walk and chew gum at the same time. lol.
  • redefiningmyself
    redefiningmyself Posts: 476 Member
    thank you, I'll look into that. :)
  • redefiningmyself
    redefiningmyself Posts: 476 Member
    i have anxiety disorder and when i walk i breathe in two paces, out three or four. i say go to a quiet park. walk without music, let nature help calm you. and focus breath with pace. i know that helps me.

    when i'm walking anxious, i can't wear my earbuds. techno does NOT help. kinda the opposite. LOL

    breathing through stretches helps too, as a holistic healer, you know that. remember to ground yourself to the earth when you stretch, that helps me a lot too. one of my friends (she and i are both pagan, so this is more of a pagan way of thinking) is able to do visualization when walking, lifting the leg up and letting the stress go, putting her leg down and drawing in the power of Mother Earth. it helps her a lot. i can't focus that well when i'm walking. i can't really walk and chew gum at the same time. lol.

    those are great ideas. I'll try that. :)
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