It doesn’t always take a vacation to a private island or a lavish spa day to get some relaxation time in. There are simple, quick techniques you can learn and incorporate into your everyday schedule to help ease that nagging tension and anxiety you might feel, and they take only take 5 minutes or less! Any time you might feel overwhelmed by an upcoming deadline at work or stressed out just coping with everyday tasks, you can try out any of these three breathing techniques. Find a quiet space wherever you are (even at work!) and try one of these out to help you feel more relaxed and ready to tackle the rest of your day.
Belly Breathing
Also known as diaphragmatic breathing, this technique requires you to focus on expanding your stomach, rather than your chest, as you take in each deep breath.
1. Preferably lying on your back, place one hand over your stomach and another over your chest.
2. Breathe in slowly through your nose and through your stomach so that you feel your stomach rise against your hand as your abdomen fills with air.
3. Exhale completely and as you exhale through your nose, feel your stomach deflate to its neutral position.
4. Repeat this process for 5-10 minutes, focusing on the sensation of your stomach rising and falling with each breath.
The 4-7-8 Method
This exercise helps you breathe more deeply while putting your mind into a meditative state as you focus on counting the seconds during each breath in and out.
1. Sit in a comfortable position and start by slowly inhaling through your nose on a count of 4 seconds.
2. After the fourth second, hold your breath for a count of 7 seconds*
3. After 7 seconds, exhale your breath for a count of 8 seconds. Repeat this exercise 3-4 times.
*If 7 seconds feels too long, lower the count to a number of seconds that feels more comfortable for you.
Progressive Relaxation
Your entire body will take a role in this breathing exercise as you coordinate each breath with the tensing and relaxing of your toes and feet all the way up to your shoulders and head.
1. Lying or sitting, start by tensing the muscles in your feet as you breathe in through your nose. Hold the breath for a moment as you experience what the tension feels like in your feet and toes.
2. As you relax your feet, release your breath and exhale through your nose. Take another moment to appreciate the feeling of your feet no longer tensing and contracting.
3. Continue the process throughout your whole body, including your legs, abdomen, arms, hands, shoulders, jaw and eyes.
4. Finish the exercise by tensing the entire body as you take a final deep breath in, and as you release your breath make sure to focus on the sensation of each muscle returning to a relaxed state.
Taking the time to breathe deeply not only helps remind your brain to calm down but it can help remind you to be mindful and present in the moment. Just by taking 5 to 10 minutes out of your day to try any of these breathing techniques you’ll notice a difference in how you cope with your stress, negative thoughts and the tension you’re holding in your body. Give it a try and let us know which one works best for you!