Breathing exercises for anxiety can help impart calmness.
Here, learn how your breathing can improve your mental well-being.
Your Low-Stress Guide to Leveling-Up Your Bedtime Routine
Are You Burnt Out or Depressed?
Youre not the only one.
On TikTok alone, mentions ofbreathing exercises for anxietyhave accumulated more than 100 million views.
How does breathing affect anxiety?
licensed clinical psychologist and the senior director of national clinical programs at Ellie Mental Health
When we start to feel anxious, our bodies involuntarily go into fight-or-flight mode.
When you take in more oxygen, your heart rate slows, and your mind starts to slow down.
This helps you feel grounded, more connected to your body, and quiets your mind.
Chest vs. belly breathing
Theres a difference between regular breathing and mindful breathing.
Most people naturally breathe into their chest when theyre feeling more anxious.
Thats the beauty of diaphragmatic breathing, or abdominal breathing.
How long does it take for deep breathing to soothe symptoms of anxiety?
Taking a single deep breath isnt likely to cure your anxious feelings.
Taking time to work your way through a full breathing exercise for anxiety, though, can pay off.
licensed clinical psychologist and the senior director of national clinical programs at Ellie Mental Health
Another benefit of the 4-7-8 breathing technique?
Research shows that performing six rounds of this breathing strategy can helpimprove blood pressure and heart rate variability.
This can be done anywhere at any time and doesnt have to be a part of yoga practice.
Play around with your breath and find out which interval works best for you.
Aim for inhalations of four to five seconds long and hold it in if you’re able to.
Take your time exhaling, tooand when you do, draw your belly in toward your spine.
Plus, it can even helpstrengthen your core.
Alternate nostril breathing
Normally, we breathe through both of our nostrils.
Inhale through your right nostril, cover it, uncover your left nostril, and exhale.
Repeat the process for a few minutes and take note of how your mind and body feel.
Your body and mind deserve it.
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