5 Breathing Exercises To Reduce Stress

Pranayama, the practice of controlled breathing, is one of the fastest ways to calm an overactive nervous system. Slowing the breath directly signals the body to shift out of a stress response.

"Change the breath, and you change the state of the mind."

Simple techniques like alternate nostril breathing, box breathing and extended exhales can be practiced anywhere — at your desk, before a meeting, or before sleep.

Even two to three minutes of focused breathing can noticeably lower tension when practiced consistently.