Box Breathing

Written on 09/10/2022
Tiffany Andras

Play the video and follow along.

Box Breathing: Inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold again for four.

Benefits of Box Breathing

Engaging in box breathing offers numerous health advantages:

  • Stress Reduction: Activates the parasympathetic nervous system, inducing a state of calm and reducing cortisol levels.

  • Improved Sleep Quality: Facilitates relaxation, aiding in falling and staying asleep.

  • Enhanced Lung Function: Strengthens respiratory muscles and increases lung capacity.

  • Lowered Blood Pressure: Promotes vasodilation, contributing to reduced blood pressure.

Use this when you, someone you love, or someone on a call:

  • Feels emotionally depleted, discouraged, or disconnected from themselves

  • Is overwhelmed and needs to tap into a sense of safety or comfort

  • Is going through something heavy and could use an inner resource to hold onto

  • Needs to shift from negative looping thoughts to something grounding and positive

  • Is having trouble feeling hope, joy, or perspective in the moment

  • Needs to reconnect with a deeper sense of purpose, love, or peace—fast

Hear from Msgt. John Blumenthal, Ret. of Oklahoma City PD on how Box Breathing changed his life