Feeling stressed out or anxious? Healthy Mondays suggests you try belly breathing — and it works any day of the week. This technique can relax your entire body and even lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Here’s how to do it:
- Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly.
- Close your eyes and mouth. Place your awareness on your breath and not on your surroundings.
- Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, making sure your diaphragm, or abdomen, is expanding and not your chest.
- Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four.
- Continue in this way for a few breaths, or until you feel calm.
As the Monday folks note, “by focusing your thoughts on the sensations of breathing, or even counting your breaths, you also help settle your mind.” Give it a try!