Diaphragmatic breathing

Feeling stressed? It’s time to breathe!

This exercise is quick, very easy and you can do it anywhere you are.

• Place one hand flat on your stomach and the other flat on your chest.
• Breathe in through your nose and out from your mouth, as slowly, gently, smoothly and deeply as you can. Just let your breath go as deeply as it will go at the moment. Don’t try to force anything.

Try doing this – slowly – for ten breaths.

How do you feel now?

You should be able to feel your lower hand moving. If not, try gently pushing out with your stomach as you breathe in.

Once you have got used to the feeling of breathing in this way, you don’t need to use your hand to check that you are breathing right down to your diaphragm.

You can use this exercise whether you are sitting, standing or lying down.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Patapia Tzotzoli founded My Psychology Clinic where she gained her reputation working as Clinical Psychologist with clients on one to one basis in London and worldwide via online therapy. She specialises in adult mental health and couples therapy. Studied at the universities of East London, Oxford and Cambridge and trained at the Institute of Psychiatry where she worked across world-renowned NHS Trusts.

Click here to book an online session or in person with Dr Patapia Tzotzoli at My Psychology Clinic.