Here’s a trick that can take the edge off your anxious fight-flight-freeze response.

When your brain thinks you are in a scary situation (or even just imagining one), it gets you ready to deal with that danger by revving up your body. But you can trick your brain by breathing slowly and calmly. Your brain will think that it must have been wrong about the danger and will start to calm everything down.

 

Calm breathing can help you think more clearly and figure out what to do in stressful situations, which can help your anxiety go down even more. It’s free and it only takes a few minutes. Try it – what do you have to lose?

Some people find it most relaxing to breathe in through their nose and out through their mouth, but do whatever feels the most natural and comfortable to you. The most important thing is to breathe slowly.