Stress affects breathing, and breathing can affect stress. When the body senses pressure or danger, breathing may become faster and higher in the chest. This can make the body feel even more tense.
Diaphragmatic breathing, sometimes called belly breathing, encourages slower and deeper breathing. Cleveland Clinic says this technique can help people use the diaphragm correctly and may support relaxation, heart rate control and blood pressure reduction.
This is why breathing exercises are often used for stress, anxiety and panic. The NHS also recommends a simple calming breathing technique that can be done in just a few minutes.
Signs Your Breathing Pattern May Be Too Tense
You may benefit from paying attention to your breathing if you often notice:
