Life can be hectic and stressful. Over the past year, I've learned that deep breathing helps.

As a mother, wife and teacher, life seemed to be coming at me so fast that I'd forget to breathe if it wasn't on my to-do list. I'm not sure exactly where the time went, but in a few short years, my children have grown from infants into teenagers. And, I had become lethargic, overweight and old. Okay, I know 40 isn't old, but it's not 39, is it? I reasoned there was not much that could be done about the actual age thing, but I did decide to do something about the sluggish sloth syndrome.

Near the end of last school year, a good friend mentioned that she was having success losing weight by following a well-known program's guidelines for wellness. In the past, the idea of joining such a group had entered my mind through the front door and made its way right on out the back without even stopping for a friendly chat. A visit to my doctor and a prescription for blood pressure medicine in my mid-30s made me pause and consider my daily routine. I was ready to start exercising more and eating better, but something always seemed to hinder my progress, or halt it altogether. There was never enough time. My muscles were too sore. My joints were too stiff or refused to work properly after a 30-minute walk on the treadmill. It's not real pretty when you need a cane or a walker to get down off the machine.

Even though I was determined, my plans would rarely last for more than two weeks. I'd always thought I could do it on my own. Apparently, I was wrong.

Thirteen years of trial and error and false starts had failed as I topped out at 225 pounds last spring. It was time to take a deep breath and create a different plan of action. I had had enough of the aches and pains and the tiredness of being "obese." (Yeah, I know. Just the thought of that word disgusts me.)

In May, I joined a well-known weight-loss organization, attended the weekly meetings, read the materials and made a lifestyle change of better food choices. So far, I have lost a total of 40 pounds. I am now considered "overweight" instead of obese.

In addition to modifying my eating habits, I began doing a 20-30 minute yoga routine every morning to warm up my aging body (so I could make it down the steps to have breakfast) and to focus my mind (which seemed to want to go back to sleep).

Breathing through the movements of these stretching exercises made me feel energized and invigorated. Methodical breathing helped me to start my day in a peaceful, prayerful state and increased my ability to concentrate and remember. (That's always a plus when dealing with a classroom full of teenagers.)

I just turned 41, and I have a renewed sense of well-being and confidence that I can accomplish the goals I set for myself. I still have around 30 pounds to lose to fit into the "normal" category, and with the support of loved-ones, I know I will get there in 2009.

Now, when I feel the stresses of life building, I pause for a moment, stretch and remember to breathe deeply.

And, that age thing ... I don't let that bother me, because as I see it, everybody else is getting older right along with me.

Breathe deeply and have a great new year.

T&D Correspondent Donna L. Holman can be reached by e-mail at ladyflyer7@msn.com.

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