Smell & Blow

Smell the flower.
Blow out the candle.

I used to say this to my son when he was feeling anxious as a child. I wanted him to breathe deeply and release his breath with force.

While his mind was concentrating on the in and out movement of managing his breathing, his anxiousness would subside. You can't think of more than one thing at a time and is why focusing on your breathing is the best way to refocus.

Now as an adult I'll say to him from time to time  -  Smell the flowers; blow out the candle - when I see him feeling worried. I myself will use this breathing technique when I'm feel a bit overwhelmed. 

Your breathing indicates that you are here, you are okay, you will be okay, and this too shall pass. <3