Mindful Breathing Techniques
1. Box Breathing (4-4-4-4 Method)
Best for: Quick stress relief and focus
Inhale through the nose for 4 seconds
Hold for 4 seconds
Exhale through the mouth for 4 seconds
Hold for 4 seconds
Repeat 4–6 times.
2. 4-7-8 Breathing
Best for: Relaxation before bed
Inhale through the nose for 4 seconds
Hold for 7 seconds
Exhale slowly through the mouth for 8 seconds
Do 4 rounds to start, increasing over time.
3. Equal Breathing (Sama Vritti)
Best for: Balancing mind and body
Inhale for 5 seconds
Exhale for 5 seconds
Keep the rhythm steady, without pauses, for 1–3 minutes.
4. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)
Best for: Mental clarity and energy
Close your right nostril, inhale through your left
Close your left nostril, exhale through your right
Inhale through the right, exhale through the left
Repeat for 5–10 cycles.
5. Belly Breathing
Best for: Daily grounding and calm
Place one hand on your belly, one on your chest
Inhale deeply, letting your belly rise
Exhale slowly, letting your belly fall
Keep shoulders relaxed; repeat for 2–5 minutes.
Tips for Success
Find a quiet spot if possible.
Sit comfortably with a straight spine.
Start with just 1–2 minutes and build up.
Final Thought
Mindful breathing is like a reset button you carry everywhere. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes — and the quicker you can shift from stress to calm, anytime, anywhere.