HRV Breathing

This breathing exercise was recommended by my psychologist, and I have found it to be incredibly helpful. I usually do it for 5–10 minutes in the morning before getting out of bed and another 5–10 minutes before going to sleep, but you can do it whenever you feel like you need a reset.

When I first started this breathing exercise, I found myself getting lightheaded and a little dizzy. Here are a few tips that helped:

• Sit or lie back with your shoulders relaxed and back, and your chest open.

• Place one hand on your belly and make sure you are breathing into your belly rather than just your chest.

• Breathe in and out slowly and gently, not fast or aggressively. The goal is to make your exhale longer than your inhale.