Take a Breath – the benefits of controlled breathing

Posted by Top Livin on

When we become stressed, worried, anxious, our breathing rate tends to increase, which in turn increases our heart rate and the speed at which thoughts tend to race around our head.

A strategy known as controlled breathing can reverse this whole cycle.

HOW DO YOU DO CONTROLLED BREATHING? 

Breathe in for a count of 2-3 seconds.

Hold for 2-3 seconds.

Breathe out for a count of 2-3 seconds.

Hold for 2-3 seconds.

Repeat.

Each breath out, remind yourself to relax.

Continue until you experience some calm.

This process of controlled breathing allows your brain to focus on one thing at a time and be in the present moment. If practised regularly, research says that this will raise accuracy rates, improve levels of happiness, and drop stress levels.

So take a deep breath and allow your mind to reset, refocus and hopefully, relax.

#ItAintWeakToSpeak

If you think you may be experiencing a mental health problem, please visit our Get Help page for information on where to access professional support.