Breathwork Basics for the Overwhelmed Parent
Our Personal Story
The other day, I found myself snapping at Squish over something small—spilled juice.
It wasn’t the juice, of course. It was the exhaustion, the endless to-do list, and the invisible weight parents carry.
My chest felt tight, my shoulders locked, and I realized I hadn’t actually taken a deep breath all day.
So I sat down, closed my eyes, and took five slow, intentional breaths.
Nothing fancy.
Just in through the nose, out through the mouth.
And you know what?
It didn’t fix everything—but it softened the moment.
Breathwork has become my reset button, and if you’re overwhelmed too, I think it can be yours.
5 Problems That Keep Parents From Trying Breathwork (and Easy Steps to Overcome Them)
1. “I don’t have time.”
Parents are busy, and anything that feels like “another thing to do” gets pushed aside.
Easy Step: Start with just one minute. Set a timer, close your eyes, and take slow, steady breaths.
Why it works: Your nervous system responds within seconds—it doesn’t take 20 minutes to feel calmer.
Amazon Help:
2. “It feels awkward or silly.”
Breathing exercises can feel strange if you’ve never done them.
Easy Step: Try “box breathing”—inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. It feels structured and less “woo-woo.”
Why it works: Gives your brain something clear to follow, making it feel less awkward.
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3. “My mind won’t slow down.”
Parents carry 1,000 thoughts at once, and trying to “clear your mind” can be frustrating.
Easy Step: Pair breathwork with counting. Example: count each inhale up to 10, then start again.
Why it works: The numbers anchor your mind, reducing racing thoughts.
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4. “I forget to practice.”
It’s easy to go an entire day without remembering to stop and breathe.
Easy Step: Attach breathwork to something you already do—like waiting for coffee to brew or sitting in the car before pickup.
Why it works: Habits stick best when tied to routines you already have.
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5. “I don’t feel different right away.”
Parents want quick results. If calm doesn’t hit instantly, it’s tempting to give up.
Easy Step: Pay attention to the small shifts—looser shoulders, slower heart rate, quieter thoughts.
Why it works: The changes are subtle but build up over time, retraining your body to relax faster.
Amazon Help:
Relaxation Music Playlist
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This post uses affiliate links, and we may make money if you click on the link and purchase—with no extra charge to you. But please know: every product mentioned here is one we believe in and use in our own house.
A Loving Note to Squish
Squish,
One of the most powerful things you’ll ever learn is how to pause and breathe when life feels heavy.
If you see us practicing breathwork, it’s not because life is perfect—it’s because we’re learning how to show up with calm hearts, even in the chaos.
My hope is that you’ll grow up knowing peace doesn’t come from things being easy, but from learning how to steady yourself in the storm.
Mindful Final Thought
Parenting will never be stress-free, but it doesn’t have to feel like drowning. Breathwork is free, always available, and doesn’t require extra time or energy—just your lungs and a few seconds of intention.
👉 Tonight, before bed, try five slow breaths.
That’s it.
See how you feel.
One moment of calm at a time is how we move from surviving to thriving.
