The Fastest Breathing Hack I know! (Instant De-Stress)
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Ok so IRL, stress happens. Whether it’s work, relationships, or just being bombarded by infos on Instagram, we all have moments when our nervous system feels a tad overstimulated.
I’m not here to tell you that you need a 5-hour morning routine or a full moon ceremony to reset your system. I believe short-n-sweet EFFECTIVE practices can just as easily shift us from tension → calm, and bring us right back into center.
Apart from EFT Tapping that I swear by, below are 2 breath patterns I use to do exactly that ~ enjoy!!
Lil’ Bit Of Science (in plain English)
Your breath = the fastest way to talk to your nervous system.
When you’re stressed, your breathing becomes shallow and quick, it signals “danger.” When you slow it down, your body gets the opposite message: “we’re safe now.” Simple as that.
That’s why these quick breathing patterns work so well. They directly activate your parasympathetic system (the one that helps you rest, digest, and feel grounded), melting tension in seconds.
🌬️ #1: The Physiological Sigh
This is hands-down one of the fastest, science-backed ways to release stress. It’s something your body already does naturally when crying or yawning: a double inhale followed by a long exhale.
How to do it:
Inhale through your nose.
Extra sip of air, again through the nose.
Exhale slowly and completely through your mouth.
Repeat 3-5 times. Or until you feel your whole system soften.
I like to use this anytime I feel my system about to enter a stress response i.e. before full-on panic mode. This is a SOS breath to me and works every time!
🌬️ #2: Slow Deep Breaths
The classic 👌🏼 simple but powerful. The magic is in making your exhale longer than your inhale. And really tuning into the feelings of being grounded: focusing on the breath, body, contact points, support of the Earth.
How to do it:
Slow deep inhale through your nose for 4 counts.
Slow deep exhale through your mouth for 6 counts.
Do this for 1–2 minutes. Feel your body drop back into a calmer rhythm.
I like to use this whenever I’m transitioning into a calmer state, e.g. before sleep, before I hop on a call, or just anytime I wish to ground myself.
Just one more note
Don’t forget that tiny practices can bring big shifts.
I strongly believe that it only matters if our practices can meet us in real life, and these 2 breath hacks are simple enough to do anywhere, anytime.
If you’re looking for a full BreathWork experience, may I introduce BreathPlay to you! This is my signature practice that turns BreathWork into a fun, freeing, and wildly expressive experience.
Happy breathing!