Psychological consultant Dominique Dauwen: Breathing is an anchor point that you carry with you anytime, anywhere

In our busy and often hectic world, consciously seeking ways to relax is essential to stay well-balanced. The question is: how do you do that? We ask experts to share their tips & tricks with us. Meet psychological consultant and career counselor Dominique Dauwen.

Dominique Dauwen

"I am Dominique, a psychological consultant. I guide people with various challenges such as stress, anxiety, burnout, sleeping problems, and chronic pain. I am also a recognized career counselor.”

How do you notice you’re in need of relaxation?

“I recognize the signals in both my body and mind. I get headaches, pain in my stomach, fatigue, or I have a short fuse. I experience this especially in stressful situations, for example when I feel the pressure to perform or when there is simply too much on the agenda.”

What do you do to take good care of yourself?

“Exercise and moving my body helps me to relax. I consciously make time for an evening walk to end the day and I exercise once a week. I also try to park the car a little further away, so that I have a moment to walk, relax and unwind when I go to an appointment.

Breathing is an anchor point that you carry with you anytime, anywhere!

Conscious breathing also plays a major role in my life. Building in time to breathe and literally catch my breath. For example by doing a short breathing exercise in the evening in my bed to find my peace. Breathing is an anchor point that you carry with you anytime, anywhere!

I also get a lot out of camping, being outdoors. This also means doing something different from time to time, discovering new things, and stepping outside my comfort zone.”

What has conscious breathing brought you?

“Breathing exercises make me calmer, physically, mentally, and emotionally. They also make me more aware of my body, and of which thoughts and behaviors are helpful and not helpful.

In addition, breathing exercises also bring physical calm, including a lower heart rate - something that is especially noticeable in stressful or fearful moments. When experiencing fear, breathing exercises bring me peace, relaxation, and flexibility. This is both a physical and mental feeling.”

Have you breathed with moonbird yet?

“Not yet, but this will follow soon because it is on its way :)

Moonbird seems like a great tool to use before going to sleep or in a stressful event such as a complex meeting, job application, or an exam. I also want to use it with clients, to support in doing breathing exercises. I am very curious about the link and usefulness of the biofeedback. Recently I also recommended moonbird to someone with a fear of flying.”

What is your motto in life?

“Don't dwell in the past, don't dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” – Buddha

Although dreaming is also a good thing. As long as you can use your dreams and turn them into actions that contribute to the values you want to pursue in life. With all ‘inconveniences’ such as fear and uncertainty that come with it. To which moonbird can, of course, be a helping hand :)”

Connect with Dominique?

Find him at flowlubbeek.be & itineris-advies.be.