Overview

1-2-3 Breathing is a simple breathing exercise when you notice feeling overwhelmed or want to begin relaxation.

Requirements

If you have medical issues to do with breathing, ask a health professional if this breathing exercise is right for you.

How to

Find a comfy space to sit or lay down, preferably bring your hand together and rest them on your stomach or chest.

Notice how your body feels heavy and like it wants to settle into a relaxed position. Allow that to happen in your own time.

The sequence goes as follows:

  1. Breath in to the count of 1, filling all of your lungs.
  2. Hold your breath for 2.
  3. Release to the count of 3, emptying your lungs.

The 1-2-3 in the breathing exercise helps you perform ‘structured breathing’, giving yourself some self-regulation.

Additional

To get the most benefit from 1-2-3 breathing is to perform it daily, deploying it during moments of feeling overwhelming or that ‘sudden shift in feeling’.