Painting and Breathing

I spent a good chunk of Sunday painting our living room and kitchen. As a perpetual rusher, painting can be hard, I want to finish fast and end up making a mess. Yesterday, I did a good job of not rushing and I have a secret weapon I’m going to share with you today.

I paid attention to my breathing.

Sounds simple, and it really is, but each time I was stretching the paint on the roller a little too far or reaching off the ladder too far I noticed I was holding my breathe, I’d take a big one, relax and slow down. It kept happening over and over, but towards the end I got into a nice painting groove, didn’t make too much of a mess and the walls looks good!

Our breath can tell us a lot. If we’re breathing quickly, shallow or holding it, if we recognized that, we can slow down, get some deep breaths in and feel a lot better.

Many of you are workout rushers. You have a hard time remembering sets and reps, it’s hard to count and you’re thinking about all the other stuff you have to do that day. I get it, we all have full schedules and busy lives. The next time you’re in the gym and you catch yourself not paying attention to what you’re supposed to be doing, take a few deep breaths, slow down and get back to it.

Justin Miner

@portsmouthcoach