Control Your Breathing

image of a peaceful woman.
Relaxed breathing, also called diaphragmatic breathing, can help you relieve stress.

Have you ever noticed how you breathe when you're stressed? Stress typically causes rapid, shallow breathing. This kind of breathing sustains other aspects of the stress response, such as rapid heart rate and perspiration. If you can get control of your breathing, the spiraling effects of acute stress will automatically become less intense. Relaxed breathing, also called diaphragmatic breathing, can help you relieve stress.

Practice this basic technique twice daily, and whenever you feel tense. Follow these steps:

  • Inhale. With your mouth closed and your shoulders relaxed, inhale as slowly and deeply as you can to the count of six. As you do that, push your stomach out. Allow the air to fill your diaphragm.
  • Hold. Keep the air in your lungs as you slowly count to four.
  • Exhale. Release the air through your mouth as you slowly count to six.
  • Repeat. Complete the inhale-hold-exhale cycle three to five times.

Newsletter Sign Up

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Primary Office

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

9:00 am-2:00 pm

Wednesday:

12:00 pm-5:00 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

9:00 am-2:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

  • "I always get relief from an adjustment from Dr. Spontak, friendly staff and ALWAYS try to accomodate my needs with regard to timing of appointments. I have been a patient for almost 20 and wouldn't change clinics!!"

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

Newsletter Sign Up