Relaxed Breathing
This client exercise sheet describes benefits of relaxed breathing and gives simple instructions for effective diaphragmatic breathing.
Relaxed Breathing
When we feel stressed or anxious, our can breathing change. This is part of our bodies’ natural ‘fight-or-flight’ response to stressful situations. Learning to relax our breathing in these moments can help us feel calmer and less overwhelmed.
Relaxed breathing means taking slower, deeper, and more relaxed breaths. It’s helpful to learn that you have control of how you breathe, and that you can do this in moments of stress or anxiety. This exercise will show you how.
If you have respiratory difficulties (such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), discuss with your therapist or doctor before using this tool.
Overview
Practicing relaxed breathing helps reduce physiological arousal and serves as an excellent grounding technique. This exercise outlines the benefits of relaxed breathing and provides simple instructions for effective diaphragmatic breathing.
Also available as:
PDF ToolUse this tool with your clients
Support therapeutic work between sessions.
Assign
Send the tool securely to your client.
Client completes
Your client works through it on any device, at their own pace.
Review
Review their responses before the next session.
Part of a complete library of evidence-based tools
Worksheets, guides, audio resources and interactive digital tools for mental health professionals.