Breathing exercises help alleviate stress by activating the body's relaxation response. Techniques like deep breathing or diaphragmatic breathing slow down your heart rate, decrease blood pressure, and reduce the production of stress hormones like cortisol. They promote relaxation, increase oxygen supply to the brain, and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which counters the fight-or-flight response, ultimately calming the mind and body. | Physical Therapy Session

Short Calming Breathing Exercise: 4-4-6-2 Method Breathe in for 4 seconds Hold for 4 seconds Breathe out for 6 seconds Hold for 2 seconds Should you breathe through your nose or mouth? Go with what feels comfortable and relaxing to you, but here's what many people find helpful: - Breathe in softly through your nose - Breathe out through your mouth, like you're softly blowing on hot food to cool it down - Or simply breathe in and out through your nose if that feels better for you Let your belly e