A Guide to 4-4-6-2 Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is a powerful tool that can be used to improve your physical and mental health. One popular breathing technique is known as the 4-4-6-2 deep breathing routine, which can help you improve concentration, reduce stress, and even promote better sleep. Here’s an instructional guide on how to do the 4-4-6-2 deep breathing routine, and a discussion of it’s benefits.
What is 4-4-6-2 Deep Breathing?
The 4-4-6-2 deep breathing technique is an effective way to practice mindful breathing. It involves counting the lengths of your inhale and exhale patterns. You can repeat this cycle for several minutes or until you feel relaxed. When practicing the 4-4-6-2 deep breathing technique it is important to focus on the breath and stay present with each inhalation and exhalation. Focus on wherever feels comfortable, some people focus on the feeling of air passing through their nostrils, others focus on the feeling of their belly expanding and contracting.
How To Do The 4-4-6–2 Deep Breathing Routine
- Get into a comfortable position – sitting or lying down – whichever works best for you.
- Start by taking three slow breaths – inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth – feel yourself relaxing more deeply with each inhalation and exhalation.
- Begin counting in a rhythm of four seconds (inhale), four seconds (hold), six seconds (exhale), two seconds (hold). As you count out each second try to keep your breath steady and even throughout all four stages of the cycle.
- Continue counting until you reach ten full cycles or until you feel completely relaxed and at ease with your practice.
The Benefits Of 4–4–6–2 Deep Breathing
There are tons of benefits associated with regular deep breathing exercises such as improved concentration and reduced stress levels. Deep breathing can also give you better control over emotions such as anger or anxiety, and increased oxygen flow throughout the body leading to improved energy levels.
Why You Should Make 4–4–6–2 Deep Breathing Part Of Your Daily Routine
Incorporating regular deep breaths into our daily lives can be incredibly beneficial for our physical & mental health needs; however making it part of our daily routine requires dedication & consistency. Oftentimes our busy lives can get in the way. It’s important to remember that we need to take time for ourselves throughout the day, and that it’s OK to take that time for ourselves. Don’t forget!