Most of us know that our breathing affects our stress level and our stress level affects our breathing. What is something that is easy to do that could help manage our stress? Try hypoxic breathing techniques. These are techniques that combine quick inhales, slow exhales, and breath holding. Research studies have shown that such breathing can trigger positive hypoxic stress. (Wim Hof, 2023)
How do you do it? Try inhaling deeply, quickly, and vigorously. Exhale slowly, but powerfully, not all the way and repeat this inhale/exhale technique 30 to 50 times. then take one more quick, deep inhale and exhale part way, then hold your breath for as long as you can without feeling faint or dizzy. This should last as long as it takes to make you feel uncomfortable. After a short break, repeat this entire process two more times. This will help shift oxygen levels and cause other bodily responses that trigger hermetic stress.
You can also change the pace at which you are breathing. This pace of breathing can also pep you up when you need an energy boost.
If you want to feel calmer, slow down your breathing rate to around six breaths per minute for at least three to five minutes. If you are tired, try stimulating breath practice where you are sitting and inhale and exhale rapidly through your nose with you mouth closed for around ten seconds, breathe normally for 15 to 30 seconds and repeat this process several more times.
If your breathing techniques are not helping your stress level, hypnosis might be a solution to managing stress. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at holtadams2002@yahoo.com or 361.442.9590.