Have you ever had an appointment on your calendar that you were so excited about? A massage. A facial. A trip to the yoga studio or gym. Maybe it was just a warm bath waiting for you at the end of a long day. 

Then BOOM!

Something comes up and your plans are shattered. You need to take your dog to the vet, unexpectedly. The kids, who were soundly sleeping 5 minutes ago, come toddling into the bathroom right as you start the hot bath water. A work meeting or commitment locks you at your desk for the rest of the day. 

I’ve been there – waiting for that next chance at self-care, only to be derailed, and unsure when I’ll be able to reschedule some me-time. I can easily fall into the trap that getting my scheduled self-care is the only way to DO self-care. Don’t get me wrong – I LOVE my facials and massages – but sometimes I have to find simple ways to take care of myself, right now. The every day kind of simple. 

Breathing, Meditation and Prayer are three ways I can take care of myself every day. But the breathing will help tremendously, and it only takes a few minutes daily, or several times a day. The key to breathing is to make it slow and intentional. Do it before you get out of bed and then again as you are sitting in the car waiting on the kids to get out of school, or at the annoying red light! 

Breathe in for 3 seconds, hold for 3 seconds and breathe out for 3 seconds. Set a timer for 5-6 minutes and then you won’t need to count 36 breaths. Simple and easy.