Hello there, HUMAN!

Welcome back to those who have been following along.

Welcome to those who are just hearing about our blog.

This space was created to provide informational content about Mental Health.

We also include Poems + Passages to let our readers drift away into a place of imagination. Our monthly post will focus on a Mental Health topic to widen awareness and provide additional resources to someone in need.

Remember to always check in with yourself and those around you.

Our minds are our own, be kind to one another.

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March 2023 Edition

HIGHTIDESBLOG – a blog about mental health

Our Monthly Editions include the following:

• Mental Health Hut – Informative
• Crisis Resources – Supportive
• Tidal Waves – Poem
• Quotes of the Month – Inspirational
• Drift Away – Passages

This month we will dive deep into “Breathwork” or “Deep Breathing” and its benefits.

MENTAL HEALTH HUT

What is Breathwork?

Breathwork is the practice of controlling your breath while using various breathing techniques.

Is Meditation the same as Breathwork?

No – meditation focuses on stillness, while breathwork focuses on airflow. Focusing and controlling your breath gives you a sense of power. And when you can say that breathing does help with your anxiety – that’s you claiming your power back.

What are the benefits of Breathwork?

• Relaxation – helps ease anxiety, stress, and anger.
• Awareness – the mind-body connection
• Processing emotions and healing trauma and/or pain
• Boosts energy and Immune System function

Why is Breathwork an excellent tool for Mental Health?

Focusing and controlling your breath helps regulate your breathing pattern and reduces anxiety. You can practice breathwork anywhere and anytime. Zero equipment is required. Below you’ll find 3 techniques – pick one and try it out for 3days:

• Pursed Lips Breathing – Inhale through the nose for 2 seconds. Pucker your lips, then exhale for 4-6 seconds. Repeat until breathing regulates.
• 4-7-8 Breathing – Sit upright. Put your tongue on the roof of your mouth near your teeth. Close your mouth, then inhale through the nose for 4 seconds. Hold your breath for 7 seconds. Exhale completely through pursed lips for 8 seconds. Repeat.
• Square Breathing – Sit upright. Inhale for 4 seconds, then hold your breath for 4 seconds. Exhale for 4 seconds, then hold your breath for 4 seconds. Repeat.

Quick Reminder: Take a step back, take 3 deep breaths, and focus on what you CAN control.

CRISIS RESOURCES

If you or someone you know is having a crisis, please do ONE of the following:

• Call or Text: 988
• Call: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Chat: https://988lifeline.org/chat

TIDAL WAVES

This month’s poem was inspired by the power of the breath. Let’s take a deep breath – inhale, hold for 3secs, and exhale.

The Gift of Life

We are born with the gift of life - the breath
When we take our first breath
Our body adapts to the changes
It has been preparing for 9months
Learning closely from our mother

We then live until our last breath
Once the breathing stops - we sieze to exist
Our breath is the gift of life
Just breathe.

- She Who Lives

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life. What would a man not pay for living?”

– Mahatma Gandhi

DRIFT AWAY

Take a deep breath – inhale, hold for 3secs, and exhale. Allow yourself to connect with the passage and share your takeaway with someone you know.

"I would like to you to focus on your breath. Close your eyes and just really tune into your breathing. How fast are you breathing? How deep are you breathing? Often, we get so caught up in the daily tasks that we forget to breathe. Many will say "I breathe everyday", to which I will respond but do you really?

- Did you bring your focus to yourself? Most importantly your breath?
- Are you breathing in a way you are able control or regulate your airflow?
- Are you paying attention to how your body reacts to each breath you take? 
- Are you truly allowing yourself to connect with your mind + body? 

That being said let's try another quick breathwork exercise - just give it a shot!

No matter where you are. No matter what you are doing; take a moment.
Stand still and allow yourself to be present - you are here!

Let's start by taking a deep breath:
- slowly INHALE allowing the air to flow in through your nose and fill your core. - Feel your core expanding and HOLD for 5secs. 
- slowly exhale as if you were blowing a bubble - LET IT OUT 
- Repeat 3x

Remember you are enough. You are seen. You are loved. You are heard."

WRITER NOTES

Let me just say that breathwork has kept me together the last few weeks. As life is a beautiful journey that never stops surprising us. I am grateful to have been able to post our March Edition. Every day it seemed less likely – until I remembered that the number one reason for creating this space was for us to have an outlet, especially on the more challenging days. In honor of my birthday, I decided to do the HARD thing! Everything was a priority in my mind, so the distractions were endless. It wasn’t until I sat down and started re-reading the previous editions that I felt my creative spark.

In conclusion, breathe and stay consistent.

Check out our April Edition to be posted by 4/30

Stay weird and share with a friend to reach our community.

*Disclaimer: We are not Licensed, Professionals. We are speaking based on our personal experience with Mental Health. We do not provide Medical Advice. Always consult with a mental professional or other health care provider with any questions regarding topics you have read about on this website.

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