In this migraine journey of mine, there’s this constant shuffle between doctor’s offices: general practitioner, neurologist, therapist, and all the naturopaths as well. It’s a draining process, to be honest. And it doesn’t stop there since everyone assigns homework.

It’s like they all confer with each other to assign readings in the self-development category, which are accompanied by guided meditations and breathing exercises for mindfulness benefits. I can’t forget the cognitive work, those little mantras to rewire my brain away from those pesky negative thoughts and towards positive thinking.

Some of the book suggestions have been helpful, and others, not so much. I will post reviews of the titles assigned to me as soon as I have the energy to do so so that you can follow along this hazardous journey of mine.

The most helpful breathing exercises thus far have been the 4-4-4, 4-7-8, Stop, Breath, Be. In moments when I feel the pressure in my head builds, I’ll use either one of these breathing techniques to calm the storm within:

4-4-4: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds.
4-7-8: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds.

When the pressure gets out of control, and I’m overwhelmed, I’ll use the Stop, Breath, Be technique. This technique makes me take a complete pause, breathe using the 4-4-4 or 4-7-8 method, and then be in the moment, which recenters me.

I have yet to find a guided meditation to which I return, which is a bummer, so if any of you know of any good healing guided meditation, send your recommendations my way.