Remembering to Breathe

A simple way to reduce holiday stress.

This is it. The big countdown to Christmas. That means cramming a bajillion to-do’s into an already overloaded schedule. But what’s a person to do when family and work obligations are things you just can’t say no to?

Breathe.

Yep. You heard me. I know that sounds like a stupid made-up no-brainer of an answer, but it’s not. Turns out the best super stress buster recommended for everyone—even kids—is to induce a deep relaxation response by practicing 4-7-8 breathing. Here’s how it works…

Put the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth just behind your upper front teeth. You’ll be exhaling through your mouth, around your tongue.

First, do a big exhale through your mouth. It should sound like “whoosh.”

Then close your mouth and inhale through your nose for the count of 4.

Next hold your breath for 7.

Then exhale completely through your mouth (whooshing again) and count to 8.

Repeat this cycle 3 times. 

And there you have it. A small, quick way to help reduce your holiday stress.