Breath Tool: 4-7-8 Breath
Quiet your racing mind and calm your body. Use this breath technique in moments of anxiety, panic, or anytime you feel a need to calm and center yourself. This exercise is also great at night to help aid in sleep.
This breath technique activates the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the "rest and digest" system, which helps lower your heart rate and relax your internal organs.
How to practice the 4-7-8 Breath:
Find a comfortable position.
Inhale through the nose for a count of four, allowing the belling to expand.
Hold for a count of seven.
Exhale through the mouth for a count of eight, with the belly contracting back towards the spine.
Repeat 8-10 times.
Benefits:
calms the nervous system
improves sleep
manages anxiety
promotes relaxation
reduces stress
This technique is attributed to Andrew Weil, MD.
