6 Breathing Exercises to Try When You Are Stressed

May 29, 2024, 09:58 IST

Riya Teotia

Deep Breathing (Diaphragmatic Breathing)

Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Take a deep breath in through the nose, allowing your abdomen to rise while your chest remains relatively still. Exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your abdomen fall.

4-7-8 Breathing

Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Inhale quietly through your nose for a count of 4. Hold your breath for a count of 7. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound, for a count of 8. Repeat the cycle for 4 breaths initially.

Box Breathing (Square Breathing)

Sit upright in a comfortable chair with your feet flat on the floor. Inhale through your nose for a count of 4. Hold your breath for a count of 4. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 4. Hold your breath for a count of 4.

Pursed-Lip Breathing

Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of 2. Pucker your lips as if you were going to whistle. Exhale slowly and gently through your pursed lips for a count of 4. Repeat for 5-10 minutes.

Resonant or Coherent Breathing

Sit or lie down comfortably. Inhale gently through your nose for a count of 5. Exhale gently through your nose for a count of 5. Continue breathing in this pattern for 10-20 minutes.

Visualisation with Deep Breathing

Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Imagine a peaceful scene, such as a beach or a forest. As you inhale, imagine that you are breathing in calmness and relaxation. As you exhale, imagine that you are releasing stress and tension.

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