Background

Mrs L presented to me as a 58 year old. At that time she was suffering from significant anxiety, insomnia and high blood pressure. Mrs L described her insomnia as “ruining my life and dictating my levels of energy and happiness. It is driving my anxiety and stopping me from connecting with people and enjoying my life.”

Mrs L was working as a Pharmacist part-time, and assisting her husband run their cattle farm in regional Australia. Mrs L enjoyed spending time with her adult children and grandchildren but felt her anxiety and insomnia was significantly inhibiting her quality of life and enjoyment of her family and friendships. Mrs L had been prescribed blood pressure medication, antidepressants, melatonin and antihistamines. She was taking all medication as prescribed, but was very keen to minimise/cease all if possible. 

Symptoms

Mrs L reported many signs of an elevated nervous system (jittery, worry, apprehension, restlessness, poor concentration and memory among others). She found it difficult to take a fulfilling, deep breath and became breathless easily. Mrs L was aware that she breathed through her mouth during both sedentary activities and light exercise. Mrs L’s insomnia was severe - it had been many months since she had a decent night’s sleep. She found it very difficult to get to sleep, and then often woke after only 2-3 hours and then couldn't go back to sleep. Mrs L described extreme fatigue and irritability. Mrs L also reported moderate hayfever and allergies on a daily basis.

The BreatheWell Program

Mrs L was predominantly seeking assistance with her insomnia and sleep issues. Initially, her anxiety was a secondary concern to her, and she felt if she was able to sleep properly, the anxiety would be more manageable. It was evident to me that her anxiety was actually driving her insomnia, and that it was a key issue we needed to resolve early. 

Given Mrs L’s significant anxiety, it was critical that we took a very steady approach to The BreatheWell Program. With an elevated nervous system, it was important to be much more conservative than with other clients. We initially implemented some very gentle adjustments to her breathing, and made sure that she was comfortable with small changes, rather than becoming overwhelmed. The key focus of the strategies was to gently reduce Mrs L's level of overbreathing.

Mrs L was a consistent client, who applied the techniques and strategies of The BreatheWell Program well to her daily life. Once we established a consistent, regular practice routine, Mrs L was able to complete the program while maintaining her work and family commitments. It was important to be able to incorporate the practice into her daily routine easily and we adapted her program to fit in around her existing schedule. A key component of her program was mastery of the specific tools developped to dial down the nervous system - these tools are simple, but highly effective and are able to be performed in any situation. 

The Results - Mrs L’s view

The changes in Mrs L’s life as she worked through The BreatheWell Program were significant. With the very gentle approach we needed to take, it was a couple of weeks before Mrs L started to feel some real change, but things progressed smoothly from there. 

Importantly, after just a few weeks on The BreatheWell Program, Mrs L reported major improvements to her sleep and to her general sense of anxiety. She was amazed at how much better she felt and how calm and relaxed she was able to be. On completion of the program, Mrs L’s symptoms had reduced by more than 80% and her final assessment revealed:

• Consistent full sleep with no insomnia
• Much improved quality of sleep
• Resolution of anxiety and overwhelm
• Improved mental focus
• No restlessness, worry, apprehension
• Fulfilling, deep breathing
• No hayfever or allergies
• Fantastic energy levels
• Sense of calm and control across her life

The Results - My view

In my view, Mrs L's response to The BreatheWell Program has been phenomenal. She is a different person..... initially very edgy, distracted and with poor focus, Mrs L now has a very measured, calm manner without the dark circles under her eyes!

Confirming her own reports are my key measurements - When Mrs L commenced the program, she was taking 18 breaths every minute, she was breathing through her mouth 50% of the time and breathing into her upper chest and neck. At the completion of the program, Mrs L was taking only 10 breaths / minute (the ideal human breathing rate), was breathing through her nose at all times, quietly and evenly even when she was exercising. 

Mrs L now felt she was free from the strangelhold that anxiety and insomnia had placed on her life.The sense of general calm in her life was amazing and she found time with her friends, family and at work was once again stimulating, enjoyable and invigorating. Mrs L was achieving a fabulous night’s sleep, every single night. She was able to use the tools learnt during The BreatheWell Program to ensure that even when she was away, her sleep was fulfilling and deep. She was waking early, feeling refreshed, energised and clear headed. 

Significantly, Mrs L no longer needed her blood pressure medication, her anti depressants, antihistamines or the melatonin she had been prescribed. 

Mrs L most definitely achieved You, As New by completing the BreatheWell Program, and feels she is living her best life, able to really enjoy the people she loves!

Changing your breathing can change your life. The BreatheWell Program is here to help you do just that, just like Mrs L did.