Breathwork can provide mental health benefits, and therapist Arien Conner, LCSW, owner of Clear Path Counseling recommends starting your day with box breathing. "I frequently recommend box breathing to my clients and will practice with them," she said. "Breathing exercises help to reduce stress, improve concentration, help to centre you for the day, ease anxiety, lower blood pressure, and release endorphins which can help to improve mood and alleviate pain." Here's how to do box breathing:
- Sit comfortably in a chair with both feet on the floor.
- Slowly exhale through your mouth for four counts, emptying your lungs.
- Hold for four counts.
- Slowly breathe in through your nose for four counts.
- Hold for four counts.
- Exhale for four counts and repeat the sequence as long as needed.