#2 Try Some Breathing Exercises
This stress-relieving breathing exercise may be performed anywhere and just takes a few minutes. If you frequently include it in your daily routine, you will reap the most rewards. You can perform it while standing, sitting in a back-supporting chair, laying on a bed, or lying on a mat on the floor. Create as much comfort for yourself as you can. If you can, remove any clothes that restrict your ability to breathe.
Our breathing becomes quick and shallow when we are anxious. Deep belly breathing lowers anxiety by triggering the relaxation response in the body as well as lowering blood pressure and pulse rate. We can’t be nervous and deep breathe at the same time; thus, this strategy is effective.
There are various alternatives to try, such as this straightforward exercise:
- Breathe deeply and count to four;
- For four counts, hold your breath;
- Count to four as you exhale;
- Repeat a couple of times.
3 Responses
Good Stuff – I am a Senior Fitness Specialist, and will
be teaching a Yoga class this morning – will bring up
some of this info – Thanks, Karen
Week end get a ways, meditation , tai chi, playing guitar are also some stress reducing strategies….
Wow! I did not know about how crippling anxiety could be. This info is great.