BOX BREATHING by Debb Webber, Zen Chi Natural Therapies & Wellness

This powerful breathing technique works by distracting your mind as you count to four, calming your nervous system, and decreasing stress in your body. Box breathing is a simple but powerful relaxation technique that can help return your breathing pattern to a relaxed rhythm. It can clear and calm your mind, improving your focus.

Box breathing, also known as four square breathing, involves exhaling to a count of four, holding your lungs empty for four – count, inhaling at the same pace, and holding air in your lungs for a count of four before exhaling and beginning the pattern again.

Practice anywhere – when you are showering, watching tv, or even working. You can practice box breathing for only a minute or two and experience the immediate benefits of a calm body and a more relaxed mind, or you can practice for several minutes and experience that plus the longer-term benefits of meditation, including increased resilience to stress, decreased feeling of depression, increased positive feelings and more.