“Observe your own body. It breathes. You breathe when you are asleep, when you are no longer conscious of your own ideas of self-identity. Who, then, is breathing? The collection of information that you mistakenly think it’s you is not the main protagonist in this drama called the breath. In fact, you are not breathing; breath is naturally happening to you.”
― Ilchi Lee

When I was a child, I held my breath. I used to do it all the time, consciously, as a way to control a situation I didn’t like. For years I suffered from panic attacks, leaving me gasping for breath.

It wasn’t until I discovered yoga and the beautiful path of pranayama that I discovered how breathing is essential to life. It is like a flower blooming in your chest, you should nourish and nurture it!

These are five breathing techniques for anxiety that I use to help me stay calm and centered. Give them a try!

1. Alternate Nostril Breathing

2. Four-Seven-Eight Breathing

3. Bee Breathing

4. Lion’s Breath

5. Conscious Breathing for Anxiety

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About the Author

Suki Eleuterio is a blogger, spiritualist, yoga enthusiast and poet living in South Florida. She is the founder of Found My Light, and the creative mind behind Sookton’s Space. She enjoys writing and discussing spirituality, holistic health, and vegetarianism. Growing up in Kenya with parents from different religious and cultural backgrounds, Suki has spent time finding her own path. You can follow her musings on Twitter and Instagram.