How to do the calming 4-7-8 breath technique
The calming 4-7-8 breath technique is an easy way to calm yourself down when you are feeling stressed out. The long, slow exhale is what calms your nervous system and takes you down into that lovely ‘rest and digest’ (parasympathetic) state. And it’s super easy….
How to do the calming 4-7-8 breath technique
- Make sure you are seated comfortably.
- Inhale for a count of 4.
- Hold your breath for a count of 7.
- Exhale for a count of 8.
- Repeat several times.
- Check-in with your body. What physical sensations are you aware of? Do you feel different to before?
You can choose any numbers you like, as long as the holding and exhale are longer than the inhale. So for example, you may like to start off with 4-5-7.
For more breathing, movement and rest techniques, hop on over to the Resources page.
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