Dr. R. Dale A. Macdonald
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One of the most powerful ways to reduce the stress response is to control the breathing
process.
It is natural to hold one’s breath during a stressful situation....
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Dr. R. Dale A. Macdonald
B
Br
re
ea
at
th
hi
in
ng
g A
Aw
wa
ay
y S
St
tr
re
es
ss
s
One of the most powerful ways to reduce the stress response is to control the breathing
process.
It is natural to hold one’s breath during a stressful situation. Unfortunately, this locks
tension in the body and often limits our options in the situation. The answer to this state
is to relearn diaphragmatic breathing. By consciously choosing to breathe with the
diaphragm we unlock the cycle of tension and tell the body to relax.
To determine your normal breathing style, place one hand on your chest and your other
on your belly. Take a deep breath. Ideally, both hands should move equally outward
with the in breath (inhalation), and equally inwards with the out breath.
If only the hand on your chest moves appreciably then you tend to breath with your chest
and neck. You may also notice the neck muscles tighten with a deep breath. If you
notice the belly hand actually moving towards your body as you inhale
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