Square Breathing Relaxation

Square Breathing is a skill you can use to relax yourself instantly!

Have you ever been in a situation where you suddenly feel overwhelmed with anxiety? When you feel your heart beating faster, your palms sweat, and you suddenly lose your train of thought or have panicked racing thoughts?

Of course you have! We've all had this happen.

You're in a meeting, or you see someone you know or you're about to make an important presentation, you are entering a party or networking event, you have to ask for a favour, or deliver some bad news.....and you feel anxiety flood over you, you feel uncomfortable, paralyzed by anxiety.

For some of us this happens a lot.

If you feel anxious frequently you've probably wished there was a way to reduce these feelings - fast!

There is!

Use Square Breathing to Get Rid of Anxiety Overwhelm.

Square breathing is a deceptively simple tool you can use anywhere, any time you need to reduce anxiety. And you can use it anywhere.

This is an easy to learn tool that creates a powerful reset in your system to melt away anxiety.

How Does Square Breathing Work?

Square Breathing uses the connection between our physical state, emotions and mind to regulate emotions and soothe you back into a more relaxed state.

When you are anxious your body is in "fight, flight or freeze" state. When we are in this state we tend to either breathe very rapid shallow breaths or hold our breath altogether.

Square Breathing shifts your body back to a calmer state of alert relaxation. It works by regulating your breathing back on track to deep regular breaths, which is consistent with the way we all breathe when we are calm and relaxed and there is nothing to worry about.

Practice this Technique and Use It Whenever You Need a Wave of Relaxation

1. Begin by exhaling and allowing your shoulders to drop and relax.
2. Breathe in deeply for about 4 seconds. Allow the air to flow deep into your lungs. You may feel and even see your abdomen gently push out from the air entering your lungs. Imagine this refreshing oxygen filled air entering and nourishing and soothing your body.
3. Hold your breath. Hold this soothing, healing air in for about 4 seconds.
4. Let out the air for about 4 seconds or in a sudden whoosh - experiment and see what feels best for you.
5. Wait about 4 more seconds
6. Inhale, breathing in deeply again for about 4 seconds.
7. Repeat the process again.

You might be wondering -- Why is this called square breathing?

I'm not sure but I think it's because in square breathing we breathe in a pattern of 4 stages of about 4 seconds each. Some people even like to imagine they are outlining the 4 sides of the square as they move through the process of square breathing. You might want to try that out too.

Empower your square breathing with visualizations.

Some people find it even more effective if they imagine the sight and sound of and ocean wave coming in and out as they square breathe. Others like to imagine the sound of a breeze gently moving the leaves of trees. And others find it feels great to focus on their breath and the sense of healing and relaxation that the air carries - even imagining a sparkling glow. Try these out. See which of these resonates with you. Experiment with it, have fun with it. It's interesting to find out what works best for you.

Try Square Breathing along with me and let's get relaxed!

Click the audio below and listen.