How to Reduce Anxiety With Breathing Exercises

If you struggle with any kind of anxiety, know that you’re not alone. Throughout the United States, over 19% of adults experience some kind of anxiety disorder. The good news, though, is that there are ways to treat it and work through it.

Detailed below are a few different ways you can reduce anxiety through breathing exercises. Don’t let the world or your stress overwhelm you. Keep reading to prepare yourself for your next anxiety attack.

Deep Breathing

Perhaps the most self-explanatory method, deep breathing is a great way to relax and recenter yourself. Remember, you deserve to feel at peace within your own body.

Start by finding a comfortable location to practice this breathing exercise. You can be either sitting or lying down somewhere you feel safe.

The only goal of this breathing method is to breathe in and out as deeply as possible. Try to think about breathing in positive energy and breathing out negative energy.

Go slowly, and try not to get lightheaded. Keep up with this breathing exercise until you feel some of your anxiety slip away.

Breathe Like a Lion

If you need something that is a more physical breathing exercise, consider the lion’s method. This is a great way to make yourself feel more powerful and in control.

Start by spreading your fingers wide and placing them on a flat surface. Next, open your mouth as wide as possible, and stick out your tongue so that it curls around your chin.

Breathe in through your nose and then forcefully out of your mouth. As you breathe out, say “ha” intentionally so that it sounds like a quiet lion’s roar. Do this about ten times to convince yourself you’re as strong as a lion and able to face whatever comes your way.

The 4-7-8 Method

This counting exercise will help those who need a strict method to focus on their breathing. You’ll count in increments of four, seven, and eight.

First, breathe in through your nose for a total of four seconds. Then, you’ll hold your breath while you count to seven seconds. Lastly, take a long eight seconds to breathe all the way out and rid yourself of your anxious thoughts.

Meditative Breathing

The last breathing exercise to consider is perhaps the most simple one. With meditative breathing, all you’ll do is find a comfortable location and just breathe.

Whether you’re sitting or standing, let go of any control you might want to hold onto. Just think about how it feels to breathe in and out. When anxious thoughts arise, let them go and refocus on the sound and feeling of your breathing.

For more breathing exercises to get you through your anxiety, check out this web page. Take the time to calm yourself before doing anything rash due to anxiety.

Stay Educated on How to Reduce Anxiety

Using breathing exercises is only one of many ways to reduce anxiety. That’s why we encourage you to browse through the rest of our blog articles. You might find something else to help keep your stress and your anxiety in check.