Box breathing
Box breathing is a powerful but simple relaxation technique that aims to return breathing to its normal rhythm after a stressful experience. It involves breathing in and out and holding the breath. It may help clear the mind, relax the body, and improve focus.
Box breathing involves four basic stepsTrusted Source, each lasting 4 seconds:
- breathing in
- holding the breath
- breathing out
- holding the breath
Box breathing, also known as resetting the breath or four-square breathing, is easy to do, quick to learn, and can be highly effective in stressful situations.
People with high stress jobs, such as soldiers and police officers, often use box breathing when their bodies are in fight-or-flight mode. This technique is also relevant for anyone interested in re-centering themselves or improving their concentration.