2b. Deep Breathing Benefits
Have you ever found your mind racing to no end, your body tense, or your emotions uncomfortable and intense? A great strategy you can use to calm yourself is by practicing deep breathing. Deep breathing is a simple, yet effective way to invite calmness and relaxation into your body and mind. It is also a great technique for teens and young adults.
Deep breathing benefits:
Calms the mind
Relaxes the body
Decreases blood pressure
Lowers the heart rate
Simple deep breathing practice:
Place one hand on your abdomen, just above the belly button, and the other hand on your chest.
Breathe in through your nose; feel your hand move under your abdomen as it expands. Keep the hand on your chest still.
Slowly breathe out through your mouth; feel your hand move as your abdomen deflates.
Practice 5 breaths in a row; your goal is to feel your breathing without using your hands.