If you are ever feeling a bit anxious or worried about something the 7/11 breathing technique can be very helpful.
This technique involves breathing deeply from your diaphragm. You purposely extend your out breath so it is longer than your in breath. The 7/11 is just a catchy reminder so you don’t have to breathe in for a count of 7 and breathe out for a count of 11. Pick whatever works for you as long as the out breath is longer e.g. 5/8, 2/4 etc
The in breath stimulates our sympathetic nervous system (I.e. prepares you for action) and the out breath stimulates our parasympathetic nervous system – our relaxation response. So longer out breath = feeling more relaxed 😊
Psychotherapist and Mindfulness Teacher 