Calming Breathwork Tips For When You’re Overwhelmed

There’s very rarely such a thing as a quick fix when it comes to mental health, but figuring out ways to manage, no matter how small, is a vital part of wellbeing.

Nearly everyone will experience anxiety at some point in life. One particularly effective strategy for dealing with symptoms of anxiety is breathwork. If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, taking a few minutes to consciously regulate your breathing can help to keep a lid on things. The best thing is it’s so easy, takes so little time, and requires absolutely no equipment.

Pursed Lip Breathing

• Inhale through the nose for two seconds.
• Hold your breath for one second.
• Exhale through pursed lips for four to six seconds.

Box Breathing

• Inhale for four seconds.
• Hold your breath for four seconds.
• Exhale for four seconds.
• Hold for four seconds.
• Repeat the cycle.

4-7-8 Technique

• Inhale deeply for four seconds.
• Hold your breath for seven seconds.
• Exhale slowly for eight seconds.
• Repeat the sequence.

Alternate Nostril Breathing

• Close the right nostril with your thumb and inhale through the left nostril for four seconds.
• Close the left nostril with your finger, briefly holding your breath.
• Open the right nostril and exhale for six seconds.
• Inhale through the right nostril for four seconds.
• Close the right nostril and hold briefly.
• Open the left nostril and exhale for six seconds.
• Repeat the cycle once or twice.

Take Home Message

These simple breathing techniques can be really useful tools for managing your mental wellbeing. Next time, you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, take a few minutes to help restore yourself to calm.