How to cope with stress with the help of breathing

If you are anxious or depressed, the slow breathing exercise may help you.

You can also recommend this exercise to the person next to you. Say, “I want to share with you a technique that helps you feel calmer during times of stress. This technique involves joint slow breathing. Do you want to try to do it together?” Continue, if the person agrees.

You should breathe like this:

1. Inhale through the nose, counting to three.
2. Put the shoulders down and allow the air to fill the lower parts of the lungs.
3. Exhale slowly through the mouth, counting to six.

The exercise should be repeated three times. If you or the person next to you is uncomfortable, you should stop the exercise.

* Based on the WHO Guide (the name of the adapted Guide is being clarified).