Reducing Stress Through Deep Breathing (1 of 3)

Reducing Stress Through Deep Breathing (1 of 3)

Deep breathing is an easy relaxation technique that can be practiced anywhere by anyone. Benefits include improved mental health, lung function, and blood pressure. Watch this video as Drs. Neda Gould and Dana DiRenzo walk you through this useful exercise.

involves something we all
experience at some point or have been very close to experiencing. Shortness of breath
during times of stress. When we're anxious or stressed, our breathing becomes very shallow. The breath we take isn't
fully drawn into the lungs. And there is more contained in our chest. This brings us to our very first exercise of stress reduction, deep breathing. It's also known as abdominal
breathing, belly breathing or diaphragmatic breathing. This technique consists of
breathing through the belly and not the chest in a
slower and deeper fashion. There are many physical benefits
to this simple technique. Deep breathing lowers your
heart rate, your blood pressure, increases your energy levels and decreases your muscle tension and pain. Not to mention the mental
health benefits including decreased anxiety and stress
as well as improved sleep and a more focused mind. Let's practice. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Begin by taking a deep breath in and a long, relaxing breath out. The idea here is to achieve
a slow and steady breath. Go ahead and place one hand
on your chest and your other on your abdomen if this
feels comfortable for you. Now try and keep your
chest rather still and have your abdomen expand and
contract as you deeply breathe. Some people find it helpful to count while they take their deep breaths. For example, you may count
like this, in two three four. Out two three four. In two three four. Out two three four. This counting can help
you with consistency. Try to practice this regularly,
a few times throughout the day for a few minutes. It will relax you physically and mentally during times of stress.

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