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.

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Westlake Location

We are on the west side of Dover Center Road, south of the Center Ridge Road intersection.

Office Hours

*Office hours may vary based on holidays. Call to confirm.

Monday:

8:00am -

6:00pm

Tuesday:

8:00am -

1:00pm

Wednesday:

8:00am -

6:00pm

Thursday:

8:00am -

1:00pm

Friday:

8:00am -

6:00pm

Saturday:

By Appointment

Sunday:

By Appointment