Why does everyone say "take a deep breath" when you are upset or stressed? Well, to be honest, when we are upset or stressed, our brains are talking to our body, producing a reaction in our heart rate and muscles. The fastest way to talk to our body is to use it's own language. Headspace (a great app for calming strategies) says "Over the last decades, research has shown that full, complete breathing is connected with a parasympathetic nervous system response, also referred to as a relaxation response." Slow down, Inhale, exhale. We are in this together.
How to take a restorative breath
Stress Relief Breath
Meditative Breath
Guided Breathing