Whether it’s the kids, your spouse, work, politics, the dreary weather, or the generally crappy state of the world, there’s no doubt that life can be stressful. We all need good coping mechanisms now and again to put into place during those times we need to step away and gather ourselves, and this trick used in the military – known as combat breathing, four-count breathing, or diaphragmatic breathing – can really help.
Image Credit: YouTube
The tactic lowers your heart rate and helps you regain control of your breathing, explains clinical psychologist Belisa Vranich. She’s also the author of 2016’s Breathe: The Simple, Revolutionary 14-Day Program To Improve Your Mental and Physical Health.
Image Credit: YouTube
“It’s one you can use when things are blowing up around you – both literally and figuratively – and you need to be able to stay calm.”
Image Credit: YouTube
She demonstrates the tactic in the Business Insider video below – practice with her until you feel cool enough to tackle the rest of your day.
Of course, a cup of coffee never hurt, either.
