Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings South Central Pennsylvania

Breathing Techniques for Stress Relief

Apr 02, 2012 06:30PM ● By José Johnson

We can go weeks without food and days without water, but only go minutes without breathing. Breath also serves as a vital connection between our intent and our energy and is the one metabolic function that we can consciously control at any time.

To relax and de-stress, sit at the edge of your chair and place your hands just below your navel. Let the tip of your tongue curl up and touch just above the top teeth, like you are saying the letter L. Take a smooth and deep breath in, imagining the breath filling your lower abdomen, where your hands are. Slightly open your mouth and exhale as long as smoothly as possible.

To invigorate yourself, start in the same position, but with your hands palm-down on your thighs. As you inhale, pull your belly button in towards your spine and lift your chest slightly. Open your eyes wide and gently clench your teeth, fists and toes. Gently hold the inhalation for one second and then exhale, keeping your mouth closed but relaxing your jaw, hands and feet. Repeat 3-6 times. Don’t overdo it if you have high blood pressure.


Master José Johnson, is the owner and chief instructor of José Johnson’s Chinese Martial Arts & Wellness Center.