Been hearing about "box breathing" (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4) for managing stress. Anyone use this or other breathwork techniques? Does it actually work in a high-stress moment?
Yes! I use it all the time. Before a big presentation, or even in traffic. It's a way to manually switch your nervous system from "sympathetic" (fight or flight) to "parasympathetic" (rest and digest). It 100% works.
I prefer the "physiological sigh". Two quick inhales through the nose, then a long, slow exhale through the mouth. Apparently it's the fastest way to calm down. I use it mid-workout if I feel panicky.
Physiological sigh... never heard of that one. Going to try both. Cheers!