Breathing and stress

When we're stressed we take small and shallow inhales that stop in our chest before exhaling.^[1] We can reduce stress in our bodies by intentionally changing the way we breathe. One way to de-stress is to breathe deep into your abdomen.^[2]

Belly (abdominal) breathing:

• 1) Sit in a comfortable position with one hand on your chest and the other on your belly
• 2) Slowly breathe in (inhale) through your nose
• 3) Let the breath move into your chest and down into your belly
• 4) The breath should fill up your belly, allowing it to expand and push your hand out
• 5) Slowly breathe out (exhale) from your mouth or nose (whichever is most comfortable for you)