For many of us, we've experienced getting caught in a stressful situations more often than we would like. It's so helpful to quickly bring our stress level down so we can help better regulate ourselves in any situation. This also helps to think more clearly and calmly instead of being emotionally reactionary and impulsive. Stress can happen at home, at work, driving kids to school, needing to have a difficult conversation with someone, or simple dealing with a pressing deadlines. Breathing is a proven technique to help reduce stress fast and easy, it's an on the spot technique when you need to bring down your stress level, fast. As with anything else you want to implement in your life, the more you practice this, the more it'll be part of your routine to destress.

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​Breathing exercises don’t have to take a lot of time out of your day. It’s about setting aside time to pay attention to your breathing. When we take a slow inhale through the nose, hold it, hold it...and then a long exhale through the mouth (I do this with my clients), we're signaling to the brain and body that we're safe, and its' ok to calm down and in seconds, we start to feel more relaxed. I practice this myself (trust me, I've tested this and it works!), and it has helped me tremendously to stay calm and feel grounded when stressed.

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Deep Breathing Technique:

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• To being practicing, start with 2 to 5 minutes a day, and increase your time as the exercise becomes easier and more comfortable. 

• You can practice first thing in the morning to set your day and before you go to bed to help you relax.

  Remember, you can practice throughout the day, especially in situations that are stressful to you to help bring your stress level down.

• While standing or sitting, draw your elbows back slightly to allow your chest to expand. You can also do this while laying down on your bed, placing your arms by your side.

• Take a deep breath in through your nose, hold your breath for a count of 5. 1.2.3.4.5. Slowly release your breath by exhaling through your mouth twice as long. Try this a couple of times. 

• You can practice this technique anywhere at home, school, in your car or at the office. You can also practice this before you start to pray, meditate or yoga to help put you in a relaxed state.

  
  

  When you're done with your breathing excise, you can return to your normal breathing in it's natural rhythm. Take a moment to notice how your feel and thank yourself for practicing self care.