I’m sure you have heard of how breathing can change your stress level. Have you ever been so nervous that you were breathing very quickly? And your chest felt like it got tighter and tighter? Well, right in these moments you need to take deep breaths to calm your body. I share my three favorite very quick and easy breathing techniques I use regularly to release any tension I hold on to. 

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Close your eyes while you do one of the following exercises. You only need 1 to 5 minutes for these. Of course, you can do them for longer as well.

 

1. Box breathing: Breathe in, counting to 4 – hold your breath, counting to 4 – breathe out, counting to 4 – hold, counting to 4, and repeat.

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2. 4-7-8 breathing: Breathe in, counting to 4 – hold your breath, counting to 4 – breathe out, counting to 7 or 8.

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3. Mindful breathing: Simply focus on your breath while breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Count to ten and then start from one again: One (breathe in, breathe out), Two (breathe in, breathe out), etc. Whenever your thoughts wander, bring them back to your breath and start from one again.

 

Incorporating these quick and easy breathing techniques into your day can help you manage stress and stay calm, even during the busiest teaching days. Do you have any favorite breathing exercises? Share them with me!