If you’re feeling stressed, it can change the way you breathe. It can lead to quicker, less deep breathing, which can make you feel dizzy – and heighten your feelings of stress and anxiety.

Simple breathing exercises are a great way to calm down and take a moment to regather your thoughts if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Try this abdominal breathing exercise to help you stay calm, wherever you are:

1. Sit in a comfortable position and relax your chest and shoulders.
2. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Notice the pace and depth of each breath.
3. Put 1 hand on your chest and the other on your tummy.
4. Breathe in deeply through your nose and fill your tummy with air. Your tummy should expand but your chest should stay almost still.
5. Purse your lips as if you’re whistling and press your tummy gently as you breathe out all the way through your mouth.
6. Repeat 5-10 times. Take your time with each breath.
7. Put your hands in your lap, open your eyes and notice how you feel.

Practising this breathing exercise regularly can help to reduce stress. It will also encourage you to pay more attention to breathing during your daily life, helping you to recognise when your breathing is affected by stress.