Find calmness amidst chaos with these breathing techniques
In the fast-paced, often challenging world we live in, stress can take a toll on our mental health, especially for LGBTQ+ youth who may face unique stressors. The good news is, there are accessible tools we can use to manage this stress. One of these tools is the practice of breathing techniques, which can play a significant role in managing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Let’s try some today!
Breathing Exercise Instructions
Breathing exercises are simple yet effective techniques for stress management. Let's explore a simple exercise known as '4-7-8' breathing. Here's how you do it:
Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
Hold your breath for a count of seven.
Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.
This completes one breath. Now inhale again, and repeat the cycle three more times for four breaths.
The key to this exercise is taking slow, deep breaths, which can help regulate your heartbeat, calm your mind, and reduce anxiety.
These breathing techniques have proven to be accessible and effective tools for many LGBTQ+ youth. For instance, Jay, a transgender youth, shares, "When I feel overwhelmed with anxiety, I just take a few minutes to do the 4-7-8 breathing, and I can almost instantly feel my body starting to relax." Similarly, Alex, a non-binary individual, says, "Practicing these breathing exercises regularly has made a significant difference to my mental health. I feel more equipped to handle stress and anxiety."
While the world around us may sometimes feel chaotic, remember that you have the power to find calm within yourself. As simple as they may seem, breathing techniques can be a powerful tool to manage stress and promote relaxation. Keep this in mind: it's not about escaping your feelings but rather learning to navigate them more easily and peacefully.
