Breathing when under stress can help you get in a frame of mind to think about relaxation. Breathing when under stress can help you get in a frame of mind to think about relaxation.
Using positive thoughts will activate the parasympathetic nervous system and help you to switch off your fight/flight reaction. It is the perfect solution to rapidly calm nerves, focus the mind and help you think with more clarity. So use this simple and powerful exercise at any time when you feel worried, tense, nervous or anxious:
Clear the nose before this exercise.
Take your right hand
1. Let go of all the air in your lungs
2. Gently press your thumb against right nostril – closing it completely, and then inhale slowly through the left nostril.
3. Hold your breath for a few seconds. With the right forefinger close your left nostril as you release from the right nostril. Exhale through the right nostril, while keeping the left one closed. Hold for a few seconds.
4. Inhale through the right nostril; hold, release your forefinger as you close the right nostril with your thumb. Exhale through the left nostril, while you keep the right nostril closed. Hold for a few seconds.
5. Inhale through the left nostril – repeat about 8 cycles.
Remember your breath is your friend!