Mental Wellness Tip

Nobody teaches us how to breathe – it’s something we all know how to do and don’t need much instruction on, right? In reality, many of us don’t breathe properly; we are naturally impacted by posture, stress, and ease, when truthfully, breathing can alleviate many of our stressors and struggles. Today we wanted to share with you a simple exercise that can help ground you if you are feeling overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, depression, and more. 

The Complete Breath: 

  • Can be completed in a seated position, eyes closed

  • Exhale completely. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, allowing your stomach to expand like a balloon. Sip in small breaths at a time while holding the breath without breathing out; fill your chest and lungs. 

  • Continue to hold your breath. Then, exhale slowly through your nose, squeezing out all the stale air. 

  • If you’d like, you can count to maintain your rhythm: inhale for a count of 5, hold your breath for 15, exhale for 10. 

This exercise has many benefits, including: 

  • Relaxes the body and nervous system

  • Purifies the respiratory system by expelling stale air

  • Relieves tension and calms emotions

  • Improves concentration

  • Great for complexion

StudentLife Services is available to provide tips and ideas to help you figure out what coping skills work best for you! These services are free and confidential so don’t hesitate to connect by visiting StudentLifeServices.com (code: Rockets) or text ‘Hello’ to 61295.