Using the Breath

Many people find that using the breath can be an easy and quick way to reduce anxiety. 

• One sign of anxiety is breathing with quick, shallow breaths with the chest rising and falling. This is anxiety breathing.
• One easy way to reduce anxiety is to use slower, deep breaths down into the belly. This promotes calm and reduces anxiety. 

Using the Breath for Anxiety Reduction. 

Using the Breath for Anxiety Reduction. Links to an external site. Watch this video for step-by-step instructions and a practice exercise by Sheryl Kern-Jones at Cabrillo College. 9:27. 

 

Guided Meditations Deep Breathing Exercise. 

Here are some guided mediation videos: 

Box Breathing Links to an external site.: This approach includes inhaling to a count of 4, holding for a count of 4, exhaling for a count of 4, and inhaling again for a count of 4. It reduces anxiety and increases calm and focus. Watch this one minute video that provides a visual aid to this approach by Conscious Works. 1:00

4-7-8 Calm Breathing Exercise Links to an external site. video for a practice exercise with a different approach to using the breath for relaxation by HandsOnMeditation. 4:02. 

Mindful Breathing Meditation Links to an external site. video focusing on awareness of breath and away from thoughts and feelings by MyLife. 5:22.