Breathwork Techniques for Reducing Anxiety

June 19, 2023

Anxiety is a common emotional state that many people experience, and it can significantly impact our daily life and well-being. While there are various strategies to manage anxiety, one effective and accessible approach is breathwork. By incorporating specific breathing exercises and techniques into your routine, you can tap into the power of deep breathing to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of breathwork for anxiety, explore different breathing exercises for anxiety, and discuss how breathwork stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system to bring about relaxation and balance.

Understanding Breathwork and its Impact on Anxiety

Breathwork refers to deliberate and conscious manipulation of the breath for therapeutic purposes. When it comes to anxiety, the way we breathe plays a crucial role. (1)

During periods of anxiety, our breath tends to become shallow and rapid, leading to increased tension and stress. By intentionally practicing specific breathing exercises, we can reverse this pattern and activate the body's relaxation response.

Stimulating the Parasympathetic Nervous System

parasympathetic nervous system

Breathwork activates the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the "rest and digest" response. (2) The parasympathetic system is responsible for promoting relaxation, restoring balance, and counteracting the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, which is associated with the body's stress response. (3) When we engage in deep breathing exercises, we send signals to the brain that it is safe to relax. This stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system leads to a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels, resulting in a sense of calm and well-being. (2)

By incorporating regular breathwork practices into your day, you can train your body to respond to stress and anxiety more effectively. Over time, deep breathing becomes a powerful tool that you can utilize whenever anxiety arises, enabling you to regain control and find balance.

Breathing Exercises for Anxiety

breathwork for anxiety

There are many different breathwork techniques. Some of the top breathwork exercises for anxiety include:

1. Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is a fundamental technique that helps slow down the breath and increase oxygen intake. Find a comfortable position, inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to expand, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Focus on the sensation of your breath, making each inhalation and exhalation smooth and controlled. Practice deep breathing for a few minutes whenever you feel anxious or overwhelmed.

2. Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing, also known as abdominal breathing or belly breathing, engages the diaphragm to facilitate deep breaths. Place one hand on your belly and the other on your chest. Inhale deeply, allowing your belly to rise as you fill your lungs with air. Exhale slowly, allowing your belly to fall. Practice diaphragmatic breathing regularly to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.

3. Box Breathing

Box breathing is a simple technique that involves equal counts for each phase of the breath. For example, inhale slowly for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of four, exhale for a count of four, and hold your breath again for a count of four. Repeat this cycle several times, focusing on the rhythmic pattern of your breath. Box breathing can help calm the mind and release tension associated with anxiety.

Detailed Instructions for How to Practice

Below, we will share more detailed instructions for each of the breathwork practices mentioned above. You can practice one or multiple of these to experience their effects. Once you know how to practice them, you can practice them regularly to keep your nervous system calm or use them in times of need as techniques for managing stressful circumstances.

1. Deep Breathing Technique for Anxiety Relief

Deep breathing is a foundational technique that can help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to practice deep breathing:

Find a comfortable position: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position, ensuring that your spine is straight and relaxed.

Relax your body: Take a moment to release any tension in your muscles. Relax your shoulders, jaw, and facial muscles.

Breathe in through your nose: Close your eyes gently and begin by taking a slow, deep breath in through your nose. Allow the breath to fill your lungs deeply, expanding your belly as you inhale.

Exhale through your mouth: Slowly exhale through your mouth, letting go of any tension or stress with each breath out. Focus on making your exhalation longer than your inhalation, allowing for a complete release.

Maintain a steady rhythm: Continue breathing deeply, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Aim for a smooth and steady rhythm, focusing on the sensation of the breath flowing in and out.

Observe your breath: Pay attention to the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves your body. Notice the rise and fall of your belly and the gentle expansion of your chest.

Practice for a few minutes: Engage in deep breathing for a few minutes, gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable with the technique.

Remember, deep breathing can be practiced anytime, anywhere, and it is particularly helpful during moments of anxiety or stress. By incorporating this technique into your daily routine, you can develop a valuable tool for anxiety management.

2. Diaphragmatic Breathing for Relaxation and Anxiety Reduction

Diaphragmatic breathing focuses on engaging the diaphragm to facilitate deep breaths. Here's how to practice diaphragmatic breathing:

Get into a comfortable position: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position, ensuring that your spine is straight and relaxed.

Place your hands on your belly: Rest one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. This will allow you to feel the movement of your breath more clearly.

Breathe in through your nose: Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, allowing the breath to fill your lungs. As you inhale, focus on expanding your belly outward, feeling it rise against your hand.

Exhale through your mouth: Exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your belly fall inward as the breath leaves your body. Gently contract your abdominal muscles to facilitate complete exhalation.

Maintain a relaxed rhythm: Continue breathing deeply, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Keep your breath smooth and relaxed, focusing on the movement of your belly.

Practice for a few minutes: Engage in diaphragmatic breathing for a few minutes, gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable with the technique.

Diaphragmatic breathing promotes relaxation, lowers heart rate, and reduces anxiety by engaging the diaphragm, which helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

3. Box Breathing Technique for Anxiety Reduction

Box breathing is a simple and effective technique for calming the mind and reducing anxiety. It involves equal counts for each phase of the breath, creating a rhythmic pattern. Follow these steps to practice box breathing:

Find a comfortable position: Sit or stand in a comfortable position, ensuring that your spine is straight and relaxed.

Inhale slowly: Begin by inhaling slowly through your nose to a count of four. Focus on filling your lungs completely with air.

Hold your breath: After inhaling, hold your breath for a count of four. Maintain a comfortable pause without straining or tensing.

Exhale gradually: Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four, ensuring that your breath is controlled and steady.

Hold your breath again: After exhaling, hold your breath for a count of four. Maintain a gentle pause before starting the next inhalation.

Repeat the cycle: Repeat the cycle by inhaling, holding, exhaling, and holding again. Continue this pattern for several rounds, allowing yourself to settle into a steady rhythm.

By practicing box breathing, you can bring about a sense of calm and balance, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Remember to adjust the count to a pace that feels comfortable for you. Start with shorter counts and gradually increase the duration as you become more familiar with the technique. These breathing exercises provide valuable tools for managing anxiety and promoting overall well-being.

Additional Tips for Reducing Anxiety

tips for anxiety

Breathwork is just one tool of many for managing your anxiety. It is important to take a holistic approach to anxiety management and focus on incorporating a variety of tools and modalities that can support your overall health and well-being. Some fundamental things to focus for anxiety management are:

Making sure you get 7-8 hours of sleep each night, ideally sleeping and waking at similar times to support your body’s circadian rhythm.

Eating nutrient-rich foods and ensuring you are meeting your body’s daily nutrient requirements.

Avoiding toxins and harmful chemicals in food, especially excess processed sugar.

Exercising regularly to support mental and physical health.

Practicing mindfulness and meditation to gain more self-awareness and to practice intentionally calming your mind and understanding the root causes of your anxiety.

Finding healthy social support, whether that be friends, family, or a counselor or therapist if needed. We are social beings and positive social connections are vital for our mental health.

Utilizing supplements like L-Theanine and Ashwagandha to support a healthy stress response.

Summary

Breathwork, encompassing various breathing exercises and techniques, offers a practical and natural approach to reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. By consciously engaging in deep breathing, such as diaphragmatic breathing and box breathing, you can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, inducing a state of calm and balance.

Remember to practice these breathing exercises regularly, incorporating them into your daily routine to harness the full benefits of breathwork for anxiety relief. As you delve into the transformative power of breath, you'll discover that the simple act of inhaling and exhaling consciously can be a profound tool in your journey toward managing anxiety and cultivating overall well-being.