Stressed?

Relief is just a breath away.

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Relax and take a deep breath. It’s a common recommendation from physicians and friends who seek to help you reach a state of calm when you’re feeling frazzled. Breathing is an essential and automatic function. But with a deliberate focus on breathing, it’s a proven tool for healing and wellbeing. Mere minutes of conscious breathing can help you feel better and think more clearly.

“Conscious breathing can change your physiological state,” explains certified meditation teacher Natalie Bell, with the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Centre. “When we feel stress, our heart rate may increase, breathing may get shallow, blood pressure can rise, and we might go into fight, flight or freeze mode. We can actively shift that response by using slow deep breaths and activating the parasympathetic nervous system.”