During uncertain or unpredictable times, anxiety or other strong feelings can come up and take over. This is the nervous system warning us of real or perceived danger. As we are fundamentally animals, these signals have served to keep us safe in many situations.

But what happens when your logical mind knows that you are safe, yet your nervous system continues to fire warning signals of danger?

In order to settle our nervous system, we can look at what is in our control and focus upon a 'bottom up' approach of working with the body. "Breathing in" helps to activate our body while a deep thorough "breath out" helps to settle the nervous system.

This is my favourite breathing technique: it is simple and portable. Personally, I use it when I cannot fall asleep or have ruminating thoughts.