Battles

I'm here @MissGremlin. And it's needed on this end too.

What kind of "cuppa" are you going to make for yourself?

@NightFury sending you hugs ❤️.

Ummm i think a hot chocolate, what about you?

Also question, how the heck do you get breathing exercises to actually work? I feel like by the time I need to focus on breathing it's already too late to get it back under control.

@MissGremlin umm....

I'd love a coffee, but should probably go with a frothy Milo sachet.

Umm...I try and catch it before it gets out of control. Sometimes I fail. Generally, I can feel when my breathing is dysregulated because things feel 'heavy' in my chest and I feel like I can't take deep breaths or my exhale is shaky. These are usually signs that I need to do some deep breaths.

@NightFury frothy Milo sounds nice, I have my nice hot chocolate.

Thankyou for sharing that. I just can't seem to catch it in time. By the time I realise that I'm breathing fast and shallow and getting a deep breath in and breathing out is shaky I just can't seem to get it back under control. I've tried so many times both by myself and with lifeline etc but I just can't seem to get breathing exercises to work.

I've just lit the woodheater and I'm about to pop the jug on!

@MissGremlinit does take time and practice. Recently, I haven't, but I've had a regular meditation practice since 2022 and that has taught me to recognise the signs of when I need to focus on regulating my breathing. I know that's really frustrating though because I dislike it when people tell me to "just give it time."

@NightFury you will be nice and toasty in front of the heater with your hot Milo.

I know things take time as much as it's frustrating to hear it. Maybe one day I'll be able to get it to work.

@MissGremlin have you tried practising it before you need it?

So...when things feel okay? And you feel regulated? Have you tried using like Smiling Minds and doing a breathing exercise just for practice for those times when you do need it?

I'm working on doing the same thing at the moment.

@NightFury yeah I have tried.

That's why I use grounding techniques cos I really don't feel breathing exercises will work for me.

@MissGremlin there's no shame in that either. You know and use what works for you.

@MissGremlin Mind if you can sit here with me for a bit? I need someone to be here and present with me right now. 🙏 ❤️ 🫂