Breathing for calm

In this post I will describe a simple breathing technique that is designed to help calm the nervous system and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. It is the 4-7-8 breathing technique and can be used every day before getting out of bed in the morning to maintain a healthy nervous system, when you are anxious to calm the nervous system, and any time that you feel overwhelmed and want to ground yourself and feel calm.

·       Relax your abdomen and focus on your diaphragm

·       Take a deep breath into your belly for a count of 4

·       Hold that breath for a count of 7

·       Exhale for a count of 8

·       Adjust the speed of your count to make it comfortable for you.

Start with just one round if you have to, however three or more rounds will really help in times of stress.

When your exhale is longer than the inhale it sends a message to your nervous system that you are not in immediate danger and reduces the flight or fight response.

I hope this helps!

Anna x