Simple tools for coping with stress are at everyone’s disposal.
Breathing is accessible to everyone, whether you’re stuck in traffic, sitting in the dentist’s chair, or dealing with the tension of a first date. Something as simple as pausing and counting a few controlled breaths can provide instant stress relief.
Listen to this simple breathing exercise to learn more, then continue reading below for more advice on managing stress.
As a former psychiatric nurse, I know all about stress. Whether it’s long night shifts, high patient volumes, understaffing, or the unpredictable environment that nursing units provide, stress is my closest friend.
Like many people, I can feel helpless when life gets stressful. But rediscovering my connection to my breath gave me strength to weather life’s storms.
When we are under stress, we experience a fight or flight response. This protective yet sometimes overwhelming condition can increase heart rate and blood pressure. However, learning how to work on your breath using breathing exercises like the one I shared can help you get rid of this high-stress response and transition into a more relaxed state, often called “rest and digest.” Helpful.
To make this breathing a habit, try combining it with your daily routine. Take a few deep breaths before replying to an email or replying to a text. Practice your breathing right before you leave the house or start work.
Life’s stressors still linger when you open your eyes, but mindfulness and deep breathing support your body’s natural ability to deal with stress.
Dora Kamau is a Headspace meditation teacher and former psychiatric nurse in Los Angeles who approaches her practice through the lenses of social and racial justice, clinical psychology, and science. You can find her on her Instagram @dorkamau.
Well+Being and head space has teamed up to bring you 3 minutes of meditation each day.To find out more about our partnership read here
