Stress is an emotion that we all feel at some point or another. It is our body and mind’s way of reacting to something that challenges us, pressures us, or places intense demands on us. When we become stressed, our bodies are triggered to release hormones that inspire our "fight or flight" response. This can be useful for us, when we need to stay on high alert - but we also need balance and rest, and staying in this heightened state for too long can be harmful. When we need to de-stress, and quickly, we can bring our cortisol levels back down to a more relaxed state through diaphragmatic breathing, aka belly breathing.

This breathing technique involves you using your diaphragm to take deeper breaths, to help you use your lungs at a fuller capacity and increasing oxygen exchange - and in doing so, slowing the heart rate, stabilizing blood pressure, and helping you calm down and de-stress. It's simple, and it should feel natural, relaxed, and easy.

This meditation is suitable for all levels.

Duration: 6 mins