Stress Relief Breathing Techniques

Just moments before I filmed this video, I experienced a dangerous incident on the road. Another car abruptly cut in front of me, jeopardizing the safety of myself and my two kids who were with me in the car. I was filled with anger and frustration, but thank God, no accident occurred. The rush of emotions left me feeling helpless and paralyzed with fear.

Fortunately, I was able to remember a technique that I had learned previously to manage my eczema flare-ups. It's called box breathing, and I discovered it on YouTube. This technique has been incredibly helpful for me.

How do you box breathe?

1. Find a quiet place where you can concentrate, and consider using headphones for added focus. Personally, I often retreat to my car (a house with three kids there is no quiet place)
2. Take a slow, deep inhale through your nose for a count of four, allowing your diaphragm to expand fully.
3. Exhale deeply through your mouth for another count of four, releasing all the air from your diaphragm.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you feel comfortable and calm.

What are the benefits of breathing exercises?

In my experience, this exercise typically takes about 10 minutes and has been beneficial not only during moments of skin flares but also in times of intense stress, like that close incident on the road.

One of the additional benefits of this technique is its ability to keep you grounded in the present moment. Often, we find ourselves either dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, causing us to miss out being in the present. Being fully present and aware of our current experiences can help us appreciate life, and from that hopefully give you meaning and purpose.

I hope that this technique helps you find your calm in challenging moments. Moreover, I hope it encourages you to take a moment for self-reflection and appreciate the small joys in life. Remember to pause and savor how beautiful your present is.