PSA: Box breathing isn’t safe for everyone!
“Box breathing” and similar breathing exercises that call for breath holding, even for a few seconds, can aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. In some cases, even deep breathing can trigger respiratory symptoms.
(ID: an animated gif showing a diagram of box breathing, where you breathe in for 4 seconds, then hold for 4, then breathe out for 4 and hold for 4, in a continuous cycle. End ID.)
I didn’t learn this until a couple years ago, and a lot of people still don’t know! Talk with your medical providers about alternatives!
I personally use in through the nose, out through the mouth exercises (like “smell the roses, blow out the candles”). Inhaling through the nose is best for asthma, since the nose filters some particles and irritants, and warms and moistens the air going to your lungs, all of which can help reduce symptoms. I specifically don’t hold my breath in between those steps!
Alternatives to breathing exercises include techniques such as distraction, identifying 5 sensations, fidget tools, listening to music, putting on a favorite show, or guided meditation.
Distraction is great when hyperventilating, most people, when mentally distracted, will fall back into a normal breathing pattern naturally. Sometimes focusing on your breath and body *isnt* the answer or even necessary.