- 16th Nov 2026
- 2 min read
A Breathing Pause That Does Not Ask You to Try Harder
A short breathing exercise for a busy day, with the emphasis on comfort rather than getting the technique perfect.
A Breathing Pause That Does Not Ask You to Try Harder
“Take a deep breath” can sound like another instruction to get right, especially when you already feel rushed. You do not have to take the biggest breath possible or hold it for a complicated count.
The NHS describes a simple breathing exercise for stress that centres on breathing gently, without forcing it.
Begin with a comfortable seat
Choose a chair that supports your back. Put your feet on the floor and let your arms rest. Loosen anything that feels restrictive around your waist or chest if you can.
You can keep your eyes open. There is no special atmosphere to create; a quiet pause between tasks is a reasonable place to begin.
Keep the breath easy
Try breathing in through your nose and letting the air out through your mouth. Allow your belly to move as much as feels comfortable.
If a count helps, count steadily towards five on the way in and again on the way out. A shorter count is fine if that is more comfortable. Let one breath follow the next without adding a hold.
The NHS suggests practising for at least five minutes and making it a regular part of your routine. If the exercise makes you uncomfortable or dizzy, stop and return to your usual breathing.
It does not have to change the whole day
You may still have the same deadline or difficult conversation afterwards. The exercise is a small way to pause, rather than a promise that you will immediately feel calm.
At Bonn Square Therapy Room, you can mention feeling rushed or nervous at the start of an appointment and ask for a moment to settle. You do not need to arrive relaxed.
If stress is affecting daily life or you are struggling to cope, speak with your GP. Unexplained breathlessness needs medical advice rather than being assumed to be stress.