Dealing with stress – box-breathing a relaxation technique used in the war against tantrums
- Everyone gets stressed at times and being a mother can be extra stressful. Pregnancy discomfort, hormone imbalance and toddler tantrums are just some of the crazy things moms have to deal with.
So imagine a technique that enables you to deal with stress, even in a warzone!
Box breathing is a relaxation technique used by some Special Forces soldiers when they are being shot at, so it should help with the next most stressful thing – being a mom!
Box-breathing: how to do it
- To begin the practice, expel all of the air from your chest.
- Keep your lungs empty for a four-count hold.
- Then, perform your inhalation through the nose for four counts.
- Hold the air in your lungs for a four-count hold. When you hold your breath, do not clamp down and create back pressure. Rather, maintain an expansive, open feeling even though you are not inhaling.
- When ready, release the hold and exhale smoothly through your nose for four counts. This is one circuit of the box-breathing practice.
- Keep repeating the steps for about 3-5 minutes and you should soon feel calm and relaxed.
This technique is taught by Mark Devine a Navy Seal in the US Special Forces. If you find yourself in a war with a toddler and about to lose your temper, just try this out and let yourself relax. You should be ready for peaceful negotiations in no time!
If you enjoyed this article you can find more about relaxation techniques from Baby-Arabia by following this link – enjoy!
