Feeling overwhelmed by stress? Before you reach for a cup of coffee or sugary snack, consider the power of breathwork. 

Breathwork is a practice of consciously controlling your breathing to promote relaxation and improve well-being. It’s a simple yet effective tool that can be used anytime, anywhere to manage stress.

One particularly helpful form of breathwork is box breathing. Box breathing is a simple yet effective relaxation technique that involves slow, controlled breathing. It’s called “box breathing” because you visualize inhaling, holding your breath, exhaling, and holding again – each for the same count – as if tracing the sides of a box.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to practicing box breathing:

 * Close your eyes gently (if desired or possible.)

 * Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four, feeling your belly inflate.

 * Hold your breath for a count of four.

 * Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four, feeling your belly deflate.

 * Hold your breath for a count of four again.

 * Repeat steps 3-6 for several minutes, or until you feel calmer.

Box breathing is a simple and effective way to manage stress in challenging situations. By focusing on your breath, you can slow your heart rate, ease muscle tension, and clear your mind. Give it a try the next time you’re feeling stressed, and see how it helps you find your center.

With love,

Caroline