When life feels overwhelming, breathing exercises are one of the most powerful tools for calming your mind and body. At Andrew’s Compassionate Legacy, board-certified nurse practitioner Dr. Gina Hardage-Athetis, MSc, FNP-BC, PsyD, PhD, can teach you simple breath techniques to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve your emotional balance. Residents throughout Washington state can learn better coping skills and other evidence-based techniques via convenient telehealth or office based care, so book your appointment by calling the office or clicking the online scheduler today.
Breathing exercises are intentional breathing techniques designed to help regulate your body’s stress response.
You’ve probably noticed that when you’re anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed, you take shallow and rapid breaths. This can trigger your body’s “fight-or-flight” response, making it even harder to think clearly or manage emotions. Breathing exercises work by slowing and deepening your breath, which naturally relaxes you.
There are many types of breathing exercises, but most focus on slow, controlled breathing patterns. For example, Dr. Hardage-Athetis may recommend you breathe deeply, count your breaths, hold the breath briefly, or follow guided breathing patterns.
Breathing exercises offer several benefits for both mental and physical well-being, including:
Slow, controlled breathing helps calm your nervous system, making it easier to manage stressful situations and emotional challenges.
Breathing exercises can also help you manage ongoing cravings and triggers. When urges arise, take a few minutes to focus on breathing to create a pause between impulse and action. This pause gives you time to regain control and choose a healthier response.
Practicing breathing techniques regularly can improve your focus and promote calmness, helping you cope with difficult emotions such as frustration, sadness, or anger.
Breathing exercises can also support better sleep and relaxation, which are important parts of recovery and overall mental health.
Dr. Hardage-Athetis may integrate breathing exercises into your personalized care plan alongside other therapeutic approaches such as counseling, behavioral strategies, and lifestyle changes.
She may introduce specific breathing techniques during virtual sessions and guide you through them step by step. You might practice together during the appointment so you can learn how the exercise feels and ask questions.
You can practice the technique between sessions, particularly during moments of stress, before bedtime, when experiencing cravings, or as part of a daily mindfulness routine.
Particularly when combined with counseling and other supportive strategies, breathing exercises can become a reliable coping skill that you carry with you wherever you go.
To learn more about how breath work can support your goals, book a telehealth appointment with Dr. Hardage-Athetis today by calling the office or using the online scheduling tool.