04/08/2022
Diaphragmatic breathing, or deep breathing, is a relaxation technique targeted at decreasing distress while increasing feelings of calm and relaxation physically and emotionally. The way this is achieved is by taking slow, deep breaths to calm uncomfortable physical symptoms, while also thinking of prompts, like counting or images, to distract your mind and calm distressing thoughts and emotional symptoms.
Benefits of diaphragmatic breathing include:
•Decreasing the stress hormone, cortisol, in your body
•Decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety or distress (lowers heart rate, lowers blood pressure, cools body temperature, calms shakiness, reduces muscle tension, etc.)
•Distracts the mind from overthinking, stressful thoughts or images, worries, and other negative thought patterns
•Slows rate of breathing so the body is expending less energy
•Reducing stress
•Improves immune system functioning
The beauty of deep breathing is that you can use this skill anywhere and it only takes as much time as you want it to. Like all skills, it should be practiced and used consistently to reap the full benefits and make it a habit.
If you continue to experience distress, anxiety, or other mental health struggles, and deep breathing alone isn’t enough, therapy is a great resource to learn additional coping strategies and work through and process emotional challenges. Contact us to make a change. Link in bio 🌱
