Feeling overwhelmed? Take two minutes to pause, breathe, and reset your mind and body.
Please note: This exercise may help you create a moment of calm when you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed; it is a self-help relaxation tool and not medical care. Nothing is stored or transmitted.
Slow breathing with a longer exhale is linked with a calmer heart rate, and loosening tight muscles sends the body a “safe” signal. Grounding through the senses pulls attention away from stressful thoughts and back into the present. Two minutes won’t solve the cause of stress, but a short reset can help you think more clearly about what to do next.
Stop and breathe normally if you feel dizzy. If stress has been building for weeks, or is affecting your sleep, health or work, visit the stress hub and consider talking to your doctor. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 in the US, or Samaritans on 116 123 in the UK and Ireland.
A short pause can ease the immediate physical stress response for many people. It works best as a regular habit alongside dealing with the causes of stress.
Breathing in for about 4 seconds and out for about 6 seconds. The longer exhale is the part linked with slowing the heart.
Yes. It can be done at a desk with your eyes open.
No. Nothing is stored or sent from this tool.