Stress affects many, if not all, at one point or another, and while it may not be a disease in itself, it can cause serious problems if not dealt with.

Common Signs of Stress

Common signs of stress can include difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, sweating, and loss of appetite. You may also experience headaches, dizziness, and muscle tension or pain, and these can have a significant impact on your mood and decision making.

Breathing Exercises for Stress Relief

There is no quick fix for stress, and finding something to help reduce it can be difficult, but breathing exercises can be a good way to relax when you’re struggling. And just like that, NHS health experts have shared a trick to help you calm down in just a few seconds.

The 4-5-8 Method

A trick called “the 4-5-8 method” was posted online at Men’s Health Week. The numbers represent the number of seconds you need to inhale, hold your breath, and then exhale.

How to Do the 4-5-8 Method

To try this exercise on yourself, experts recommend getting comfortable either in an upright sitting position or lying down. You will then need to:

• Inhale slowly through your nose for four seconds. If you can’t breathe through your nose, use your mouth.
• Hold your breath for five seconds.
• Slowly exhale for eight seconds.

Repeat this cycle 10 times or as many times as needed, concentrating on your breath as you do and changing the seconds as you please.

The Benefits of Calm Breathing

Deliberately repeating calm breathing can calm the nervous system, which controls the involuntary functions of the body.

Other Relaxation Methods

The NHS Professionals website adds: “You can try other relaxation methods or ask your doctor for advice on managing stress and anxiety.”

Conclusion

Stress can have a serious impact on your physical and mental health, but there are simple ways to manage it. Breathing exercises like the 4-5-8 method can be a great tool to help you relax and reduce stress in just a few seconds.

Source: Mirror