By Katie Welborn, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner

Last week, I learned about the 4 - 7 - 8 breathing method — a deep breathing technique that can be used to help manage anxiety, stress, and difficulty sleeping. Here’s how it works:

Start by exhaling completely
Breathe in through your nose for a count of four.
Hold your breath for a count of seven.
Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of eight.
Repeat three more times.

By boosting oxygen levels, this deep breathing technique brings deep relaxation and balance to the body. In this parasympathetic (“rest & digest”) state, our bodies are more efficient at digestion, regulation of blood sugar, and detoxification of waste.

Start by doing this once or twice a day, before enjoying a meal, when you are feeling stressed or shortly before bed. I was successful in getting a little one back to sleep last week using this technique, so parents – remember this one!