4-7-8 Breathing - a breath exercise to calm an inner storm

The 4-7-8 breathing technique is magic to take the edge off, cool down quickly, or before bedtime. It gets you connected to your body, soften a noisy mind, and helps to relax and rebalance the parasympathetic nervous system and promote a state of calm.

Video here

Start by sitting comfortably, support your back if that helps you to relax. Or lie down! You might feel lightheaded the first few times, so don’t do it while driving. Place the tip of the tongue on the tissue right behind the top front teeth.

💨 empty your lungs of air
💨 inhale slow and quiet through the nose - count to 4
🛑 hold the breath - count to 7
💨 exhale completely with “force/power” through the mouth, pursing the lips, making a “whooshing” sound - count to 8

repeat4-6 times
If it is too many seconds, keep the ratio, but decrease it. I.e : 2, 3.5, 4

This is a quite simple, and highly beneficial breathing exercise that similar to many deep breathing techniques can be used to
✨create calm
✨reduce anxiety & stress
✨prior sleep
✨manage cravings
✨take the edge off if feeling irritated, angry
✨improve function of heart and lungs
✨reducing blood pressure
✨reduce frequency and severity of migraine
✨more benefits here

Feel for something else, deeper and transforming?

Then join in for a session of a more transformational and releasing Breathwork. Read more here, or find a session online or in Stockholm below


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Breath work and meditation with kids to reduce stress

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Quick Breathing exercise if you feel stressed or anxious