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Anxiety can hit you in a wave all at once, or it can slowly creep up on you. As you stand on the sand before paddling out into big surf, it’s all too common to feel your heart pounding in your chest. However, it’s equally likely to experience the same sensation while seated at the safety of your desk, as life’s small dilemmas pile up, suddenly seeming insurmountable.
No matter what provokes your anxiety, your breath is a powerful tool to help combat it. This breathing technique from Big Think can help get your body and your thoughts under control in a stressful situation. It’s based on the premise that taking longer exhales than inhales converts the nervous system from a sympathetic state to a parasympathetic state. Watch the video below to learn more about this effective breathing technique.
Video Credit: Big Think.
