Breathing exercises for self-regulation

Breathing is one of the most transformative tools we have available at any time. It’s free. It’s fast. It’s something that is automatic. If you’re alive, you’re breathing (duh.) What’s also automatic is the shallowing of our breath when we’re under duress. Do we lose our breath because we’re stressed out, or are we stressed out because we’ve lost our breath?

Regardless, returning to your breath is a return to equilibrium. Equanimity. Homeostasis. Regulation. A return to your center. Below are a few basic breathwork techniques you can keep open on your computer and phone to reference any time. You may even want to set an alarm on your phone to remind you to practice these breathing exercises. I promise you will feel different after even just a few minutes with this practice.

You don’t need to be lying down for this one. Do be mindful of your belly expanding as you inhale. Let it go!

Box breathing is known as the technique used as a stress management and focusing tool by Navy Seals.

I’d love to hear your experience with these!