We are approaching the end of the year and for many of us the contemplative Advent period means a lot of stress at work or often also in our private lives. 

Conscious breathing can help you to relax and slow down in acute stressful situations. 

If you are stressed and anxious, breathe shallowly and quickly. If you are angry, breathe more deeply. 

Our feelings therefore influence our breathing. Conversely, however, we can also influence our feelings with our breathing. 

Breathing exercises can help you here: 

Consciously reduce the number of breaths per minute by breathing more slowly and consciously. This leads to relaxation and stabilization of your psyche. Make sure you are in an upright position. Your abdomen should bulge out when you inhale and draw in towards your navel when you exhale. This ensures that your lungs are optimally supplied with oxygen and carbon dioxide is exhaled. Your heart now beats more slowly, your blood vessels dilate, and your blood pressure drops. 

Give it a try the next time you feel you have to do all your tasks at the same time. 

However, if you are chronically overworked in the long term, only a change in lifestyle will help. 

We wish you a stress-free Advent season, a relaxing break, and a refreshed start to the New Year!