From the time we are born, we start the process of breathing in and out. It becomes second nature that we do not even think that we are doing it. Babies – healthy ones – are the best example of how we should breath, as they usually connect to their diaphragm in this process.

Why is this so important?

It is important as the body and mind are interconnected, “happy mind and healthy body”.

In our day-to-day life we may be rushing around, jumping from one thing to another, playing a multitude of roles. No, this does not necessarily mean that we are suffering from the mental disorder Dissociative Identity Disorder. But in life one minute you can be playing sister, then another you can be the head of a department making those big tactical decisions. So this juggling act may be stressful at times, or maybe you have found the balance – yippee – you deserve a high-five.

In all of this chaos it can become easy to forget to take a breath – a pause. This cannot only take an effect on our minds but also our bodies. Have you not noticed that within some of these large corporate firms that there may be a Yoga instructor who comes in weekly, to help people relax their tensed up muscles? So it has now become a business opportunity – the result of people not breathing properly and getting stressed.

So how do you find balance in life where you have many roles, and responsibilities? Here are some tips, some that I have tried and tested:

1. Exercise. How often are you working out? Simply going for a walk can be great for the mind. “Clearing the cobwebs” as one of my mentors said to me once, when I was feeling “stuck”.
2. Checking-in. This is where you utilise your internal resources. Number one – looking at where you are, deciding where you want to be. To go a step further write down your five top priorities, you may be amazed what is appearing at the top of this list.
3. What can I do? Often you may be focusing on the problem or challenge. Instead look forward, ask yourself two questions:
   1. What am I meant to learn from this? Sometimes known as the assignment?
   2. What existing resources and skills do I have? Otherwise known as your internal resources.
4. Simplify your life. One way is to go back to basics and do a process of eliminating the things that you no longer require. This may be de-cluttering your wardrobe of clothes. When there is a lot of clutter around you, it can have an affect on your thinking.
5. Saying the “no” word. You may find it difficult to say no at times, this may be due to you wanting to please others instead of staying true to you. Going inwards and standing your ground. If this does not naturally come to you, see it as a game by choosing one day to say no, when you would have said yes. A great example of applying, “faking it, until you believe it”.
6. Just being. This is focusing on the now, meditating and finding your centre. This can be a challenge when there are distractions around you. One way is to take simple, incremental steps. One way is to start your day by having 15 minutes silence. Saying a prayer of affirmation.
7. Gratitude. Some people may focus on what they do not have, how about appreciating what you have. Say thank you and being appreciated.
8. Singing. Yes, some of you may feel embarrassed about publicly performing with your voice but this can be relaxing. Some argue that it has helped people who suffered from depression. Learning to sing can also teach you the techniques of breathing properly.
9. Visualisation of a calm, happy place. Often this technique is used in hypnosis.

So there are many ways of trying to get back to your centre, find harmony and balance in your day-to-day life. As with other lifestyle changes, it can be about taking incremental, small steps. Otherwise, you may feel that you are not setting yourself up for success.

Question: how do you find balance, and remember to breath in your day-to-day life?