Here are some effective breathing techniques for relaxation:
1 Diaphragmatic Breathing (Belly Breathing)
◦ How to: Sit or lie down comfortably. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 seconds, letting your belly rise while keeping your chest still. Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds. Repeat 5–10 times.
◦ Benefits: Lowers heart rate, reduces stress hormones, and promotes calm.
2 4-7-8 Breathing
◦ How to: Sit comfortably. Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds. Repeat 4–6 cycles.
◦ Benefits: Calms the nervous system and helps with anxiety or sleep issues.
3 Box Breathing (Square Breathing)
◦ How to: Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds, and hold again for 4 seconds. Repeat for 5 minutes.
◦ Benefits: Enhances focus and reduces stress, often used by athletes and first responders.
4 Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)
◦ How to: Sit upright. Close your right nostril with your thumb and inhale through your left nostril for 4 seconds. Close your left nostril with your ring finger, release your right nostril, and exhale for 4 seconds. Inhale through the right nostril, then switch and exhale through the left. Repeat 5–10 cycles.
◦ Benefits: Balances energy and calms the mind.
5 Pursed-Lip Breathing
◦ How to: Inhale slowly through your nose for 2 seconds. Purse your lips (like blowing through a straw) and exhale gently for 4–6 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
◦ Benefits: Slows breathing rate and helps release tension.
Tips:
• Practice in a quiet, comfortable space.
• Start with 5 minutes daily, increasing as you feel comfortable.
• Pair with soft music or guided apps if helpful.
Let me know if you want more details or guided instructions!