| One of the most common fears is the fear of public | | | | Deep breathing exercises are especially useful. It can |
| speaking. Most of us have probably shared a dream | | | | help clear your mind and sharpen your wits, as well. |
| about it; we're getting ready to give an important | | | | Most of us are "lazy breathers." We only use the top |
| speech to a group of important people and we | | | | ten percent of our lung capacity. This can greatly |
| haven't done any preparations for it. It's enough to | | | | reduce the oxygen available for your organs, and |
| wake you up in a cold sweat. | | | | particularly for your brain. |
| Other situations can also put pressure on us to | | | | The exercise is simple, actually. Exhale as fully as you |
| perform well and cause anxiety. An accident, disaster | | | | can, then breathe in deeply. Hold it for a second or |
| or a crisis at work puts the pressure on and there is | | | | two, then exhale again. Repeat this for a total of ten |
| no time to take something nor is the drowsiness | | | | breaths. More could cause hyperventilation, which will |
| associated with both prescription and herbal | | | | only add to the stress you are under. |
| anti-anxiety remedies an option. So, what do you do? | | | | Imaging is probably your best tool, but it will take a |
| There are three things that can help you, and two of | | | | few minutes of your time. Choose whatever passage |
| them don't require anything but the knowledge of | | | | you wish that will help you calm yourself. I use Psalm |
| how to use them. Aromatherapy does require you | | | | 23, and it's very effective. I feel the soft, green |
| have the necessary essential oils, but imaging and | | | | grass. I hear the quiet lapping of the still water. I see |
| deep breathing exercises don't. | | | | the beautiful valley. I smell the wonderful food waiting |
| In aromatherapy, lavender and chamomile are the | | | | for me. I know that the Shepherd is there and that I |
| recommended oils. If you know in advance that the | | | | am safe and protected. Once I've gone through the |
| situation is coming, you can purchase them and have | | | | entire passage, I am calmer, my blood pressure is |
| them handy as needed. One method of diffusing it is | | | | lower and I am able to function well again. |
| through special wicks. If you also need to have your | | | | All of us will be in a high pressure situation on a |
| mind as sharp as possible, pick up some peppermint | | | | somewhat regular basis. Having the tools to deal with |
| essential oil. One word of caution on the peppermint, | | | | it is key to coming out the other end a better |
| children under two should not inhale this oil as it can | | | | person. |
| cause some serious breathing problems. | | | | |