The feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion that accompany anxiety and stress can be debilitating. Try practicing box breathing if you’re looking for a way to calm both your mind and your body. Using this straightforward method, which only requires a few minutes of your time, can assist you in alleviating anxiety and stress in a hurry.
Box breathing is a form of deep breathing that consists of taking a breath in for a count of four, holding it for a count of four, exhaling for a count of four, and then taking another breath in for a count of four before finally exhaling for a count of four. Because the finished product has the appearance of a square or box, this method is also referred to by those descriptors.
Find a calm spot where you can settle in for a while, and get comfortable. To help you relax, close your eyes and take some deep breaths for a few moments. When you are ready, proceed with the following steps:
- Take a deep breath in through your nose and count to four as you do so. Concentrate on bringing air into your lungs as you inhale, and feel your abdomen expanding as you do so.
- Please hold your breath until the count of four is complete. While you try to keep your body still and relaxed, you should focus on not breathing.
- Slowly let out your breath through your mouth as you count to four. Maintain your concentration on expelling every last bit of air from your lungs, and be aware of the contraction of your abdominal muscles as you do so.
- Please hold your breath until the count of four is complete. While you try to keep your body still and relaxed, you should focus on not breathing.
- Repeat the cycle for at least four times, or for as many times as necessary for you to feel a sense of calm and relaxation take over your body.
The box breathing exercise can be performed at any time and in any location, and it only takes a few minutes to finish. It is an excellent method for alleviating anxiety and stress during a hectic day or for getting ready for a situation that is likely to be stressful, such as an interview for a job or an important presentation.
Box breathing may have additional potential benefits in addition to reducing anxiety and stress, such as:
- You can improve your ability to concentrate and stay focused by slowing down your breathing and concentrating on the here and now. This will help you become better able to concentrate on what you’re doing.
- Deep breathing has been shown to help increase oxygen levels in the body, which in turn can lead to increased levels of energy and alertness in the person doing the breathing.
- Box breathing has been shown to help lower blood pressure by reducing the rate of the breather’s heartbeat and increasing the level of relaxation experienced by the breather.
Improving the quality of your sleep can be accomplished by practicing deep breathing, which helps to calm both the mind and the body, making it much simpler to fall asleep and remain asleep.
In general, box breathing is a straightforward and efficient method for reducing feelings of anxiety and stress. It is possible to carry it out at any time and in any location, and finishing it requires only a few moments of one’s time. Try it out the next time you find yourself in need of some mental and physical relaxation, and see for yourself how it can help you.
