Sometimes life is stressful. There are days where the workload is high, the ability to compartmentalize personal from professional and vice versa is difficult, and anxiety threatens to take over completely. I think it is safe to say we have all had that paralyzing moment of not being able to mentally take it down a few notches.
I use this breathing technique to relax my mind and body for various situations; before an interview or big meeting, if I can't fall asleep, or as a way to exit work mode. It takes less than a minute to complete three rounds and can be done anywhere.
It's fairly simple yet highly effective. Here's how it works:
1. Close your eyes or drop your gaze to the floor.
2. Breathe in for a count of four.
3. Hold your breath for a count of seven.
4. Exhale for a count of eight.
5. Repeat at least three times.
How do you feel? Relaxed? Was it helpful to count or was it distracting?
Happy almost long weekend. Xx.