Take Deep Breaths
Slowing down our breathing and taking deep breaths is one of the most powerful tools we have for calming down. It helps our muscles relax and it helps to turn back on the parts of the brain that power down when we get upset. This, in turn, allows us to express ourselves better and to make better decisions.
It's common to use videos (like the ones below), pictures, and other tools to help us breathe deeply. However, it's important to practice often enough that you have a breathing routine you can jump into by yourself when you need it.
Back to the Toolbox
One of our favorites is called "box breathing," but it also goes by "square breathing," and even "tactical breathing." That last nickname is because the U.S. Navy SEALs (the soldiers we send on the toughest missions) practice box breathing every day because it helps them to make better choices during their missions. Fortunately, we don't need to risk our lives like the Navy SEALs do, but box breathing is still a great tool for helping all of us stay calm and make good decisions.
