Breathing
Our breath is a powerful tool for managing stress and muscle tension. It is always with us, so we can use it whenever we need it. But how does breathing help?
When we feel anxious, our breathing often changes. Instead of taking slow, deep breaths, we may start breathing quickly and shallowly from the chest. This can sometimes make anxiety feel even stronger.
Slowing our breathing and taking deeper breaths can help calm both the body and mind.
A good first step is becoming aware of how you breathe. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your tummy, then take a few natural breaths. Notice where you feel the movement.
When breathing in a relaxed way, the hand on your chest should stay mostly still, while the hand on your tummy gently rises and falls as you breathe in and out.
Breathing exercise
Watch our simple breathing exercise below:
When you first start practising breathing exercises, you may find them difficult or feel slightly short of breath. Don’t worry – this is quite normal. It happens because we are not used to breathing in a slow, controlled way. With regular practice, however, it should begin to feel more natural and comfortable.
