The Best Remedy for Anxiety and Stress is a Breath Away

Purposeful breathing is a great way to lower stress or anxiety at any given moment. When we are stressed or anxious, we are usually shallow breathing. Panic attacks can include shortness of breath and chest tightness. Deliberate deep breathing combats this and has been scientifically proven to:

• lower blood pressure and heart rate

• reduce levels of stress hormones in the blood

• reduce lactic acid build-up in muscle tissue

• balance levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood

• improve immune system functioning

• increase physical energy

• increase feelings of calm and wellbeing.

This breathing can be done by breathing in through your nose to the count of four. Then, pause to the count of four, and breathe out your mouth to the count of five. These numbers can be longer or shorter depending on what you are comfortable with. Next time you are stressed or anxious, give it a try. This breathing can be done alongside or independently of a meditation.