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What is deep breathing and how can it help manage my stress?

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Deep breathing is a simple but powerful way to reduce stress and help you feel more in control. Follow these steps to practice deep breathing whenever you need to relax.

1. Find a Comfortable Position

  • Sit or lie down in a quiet place.
  • Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
  • Place one hand on your belly and the other on your chest.

2. Inhale Deeply Through Your Nose (4 seconds)

  • Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose.
  • Let the air fill your belly first, then your chest.
  • As you breathe in, push your belly out so that you feel your hand on your belly rise as you breathe in.

3. Hold Your Breath (4 seconds)

  • Gently hold the air in your lungs.
  • Keep your body relaxed.

4. Exhale Slowly Through Your Mouth (6 seconds)

  • Breathe out slowly through your mouth, like blowing through a straw.
  • Push your stomach in as you breathe out so that you feel your hand on your belly lower as you exhale.
  • Try to empty all the air from your lungs.

5. Repeat for 5-10 Rounds

  • Keep breathing in this slow, controlled way.
  • Focus on the rhythm of your breath.
  • Let go of any stress with each exhale.

Bonus Tips

✅ Close your eyes to help you focus.
✅ Try breathing to a count (e.g., “Inhale…2…3…4, Hold…2…3…4, Exhale…2…3…4…5…6”).
✅ Use an app or calming music for guided breathing exercises, like the video below.
✅ Practice daily for the best results.

Regular deep breathing makes you feel calmer, focused, and in control of stress!

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