How to Breathe to Relax

This post, originally titled Thought for the Every Day – Breathe, was originally published in 2017 and has been completely updated in February 2023.

A blue sky with text overlay – Got stress? These 4 tips will solve it!

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Do you need a break? Take a breath.

Are you angry? Take a breath.

Are you anxious? Take a breath.

Here are some perfect suggestions to help you on your way:

Deep Breathe to Relax

Inhale deeply, all the way down to your belly for a few seconds then exhale for a few seconds, until you feel like you can’t breathe out anymore.

Repeat for a few minutes or until you feel more relaxed.

Breath in through your nose, out through your mouth

This is a great way to breathe to calm down!

If you’ve done almost any type of exercise you’ve heard of this type of breathing.

Being conscious of breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth will help you slow down your breathing to help you relax.

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5-Second Breathing

One breathing exercise is breathing in for a count of 5, then exhaling for a count of 5.

There are several others.

Another I like actually has you breathe in for a few seconds, hold it for a few seconds, then let it out for a few seconds.

Here’s a 5-second breathing gif to try right now:

Intentional Breathing

When breathing in, say something like “I breathe in calm”.

As you breathe out, say something like “I breathe out stress”.

You can combine this with any of the other examples above.

I think this is one of the best ways to breathe to relax!

Try different words depending on your situation:
Breath in: peace, love, happiness, patience

Breath out: anxiety, nervousness, anger, frustration

Your Turn to Practice

Now, try it.

Use one of the methods above.

Our bodies and brains need the air.

Does that feel a bit better?

I know, not life-changing – necessarily – but it’s always good.

Throughout your day, remember to breathe.

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Take a deep breath, use the 5-second method or the intentional breathing now and then.

Whether you’re stressed, excited, or just plain exhausted.

Breathe.

It doesn’t cost anything, it doesn’t take any extra time out of your day – you’re doing it anyway (probably just not mindfully).

And in the long run your body and brain with thank you.

Remember

Are you frustrated? Take a breath.

Are you sad or depressed? Take a breath.

Are you overwhelmed? Take a breath.

Don’t forget to breathe.

Sounds crazy, we always hear this, right?

But seriously, have you ever found yourself holding your breath?

Or just too scared, angry, frustrated, (fill in your term here) that you are taking very shallow breaths?

It happens and it will happen again, it’s the way life works, but when it does try to take a step back and take a good, long, deep breath!