Breathing Exercises That Can Be Used To Reduce Stress

4-7-8 Breathing

This breathing technique is another belly breathing technique used to help relax and to reduce stress. 4-7-8 breathing can be done either sitting or laying down. To begin, rest one hand on the belly and the other one on the chest, similar to the abdominal breathing technique. Take a slow, deep breath from the stomach, and count to four while inhaling. Hold the breath and count up to seven, then exhale while counting up to eight. This technique should be repeated five to ten times, or until you begin relaxing and feeling calm.