03/25/2025
🌬️ Breathe Your Way to Calm: 6 Techniques to Regulate Your Nervous System 🧘♀️
Sometimes our nervous system needs a reset. These six breathing techniques can help you shift from stress to safety in minutes:
1. Box Breathing (Square Breathing)
* Inhale 4, Hold 4, Exhale 4, Hold 4
* Used by Navy SEALs to stay calm under pressure
* Resets your autonomic nervous system
2. Diaphragmatic Breathing
* Deep belly breaths
* Activates your parasympathetic “rest and digest” mode
* Reduces cortisol and anxiety
3. 4-7-8 Breathing
* Inhale 4, Hold 7, Exhale 8
* Amazing for falling asleep
* Calms racing thoughts instantly
4. Alternate Nostril Breathing
* Balance left and right brain hemispheres
* Reduces stress and improves focus
* Ancient yogic technique for mental clarity
5. 5-5-5 Breathing
* Inhale 5, Exhale 5, for 5 minutes
* Creates heart-brain coherence
* Stabilizes emotional state
6. Extended Exhale Breathing
* Longer exhales than inhales
* Tells your body “you are safe”
* Quickly shifts from fight/flight to calm
Pro Tip: Practice these anywhere – driving, working, before bed. Your nervous system will thank you! 🙏