Stuttering is a speech disorder that manifests as repeating a word or phrase, usually accompanied by rapid eye blinking and a tense jaw or throat. As a form of anxiety, stuttering can hinder communication and cause further emotional distress. In order to remedy your stuttering, it is important to relieve your anxiety and to practice breathing exercises to help relax muscles. If your stuttering persists, it is recommended that you see a speech therapist or behavioral therapist to help you manage your stuttering.
Pause Before Speaking
If you are about to speak and you feel your throat or jaw tightening, give yourself a few seconds to breathe deeply in and out. Stuttering usually occurs when you attempt to speak without the proper amount of oxygen, combined with anxiety. When you receive enough oxygen to speak slowly, your jaw will loosen and your vocal cords won't be restricted. Allow yourself to say the first word slowly, and slow down your following words if you feel the need to rush through what you have to say.
Vowels and Breathing
Sometimes it is difficult to start a sentence, and that results in stuttering before the first vowel is successfully completed. As part of a breathing exercise, your speech therapist will have you repeat a vowel for an extended period of time and follow that with deep inhaling and exhaling. As you begin to relax, your speech therapist will increase the amount of vowels you sound out and have you inhale and exhale deeply. Eventually, your exercises will include syllables and phrases, and continuous natural breathing. These exercises help you practice natural breathing during conversation and lessen the anxiety of beginning and continuing a conversation.
Meditation
Taking slow, deep breaths in the morning as a form of meditation before your day begins is a helpful way to combat stuttering. Sit or lie down and rest your hands on your chest to observe your breathing rhythms. Allow yourself 10 to 20 minutes of quiet time to listen to your heartbeat and relax your mind. Practice this peaceful morning exercise daily to reduce anxiety, or practice this exercise at night to wind down after dealing with day-to-day stress.
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