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Simple breathing exercises and meditation can be powerful tools for beating stress
Meditation has long been a powerful method for realigning the chakras, calming the mind, and alleviating stress
Stress has become a common feature of today’s lifestyle. With a long to-do list and a series of timelines and deliverables staring us in the face every day, it can feel overwhelming. This often takes a toll on our minds, leaving us irritated and exhausted. And the impact is not limited to an individual, it also affects the people around us.
Many of us end up scrolling through videos and apps to relax and unwind. But ask yourself: is it really helpful? For some, it might be, but for most, it doesn’t work. So, what’s the way out? We need to focus on ourselves and there is no better way than reconnecting with our inner selves. Meditation has long been a powerful method for realigning the chakras, calming the mind, and alleviating stress.
Dr. Archika Didi, PhD in Meditation and Vice Chairperson of Vishwa Jagriti Mission, shares five simple yet profound meditation and breathing exercises. Think of them as your emergency toolkit for stressful days helping you move from overwhelmed to in control in under five minutes.
1. The Reset Button: 4-7-8 Breathing
The right breathing technique is a powerful exercise. It calms the nervous system, and with systematic breathing, we gain better control of ourselves. It’s incredibly simple and can be done anywhere.
How to do it: First, exhale completely through your mouth. Inhale through your nose for a mental count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Finally, exhale (making a whoosh sound) for a count of eight.
Why it works: This stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for our “rest and digest” response. It signals to your brain that the perceived danger has passed, allowing your heart rate to slow and your muscles to relax. Repeat this cycle three to four times whenever stress strikes.
2. The Grounding Anchor: A One-Minute Body Scan
Stress often pulls our attention into a whirlwind of future worries or past regrets. A quick body scan brings awareness back into the present moment, grounding you in the here and now.
How to do it: Sit comfortably in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Close your eyes if you can. Focus on the soles of your feet and notice the sensations warm, cold, tense, or relaxed without judgment. Slowly move your attention up through your legs, torso, arms, and head. Pay special attention to areas of tension, like the jaw, shoulders, and stomach. Exhale while imagining the tension melting away.
Why it works: By focusing on physical sensations, you interrupt the cycle of anxious thoughts. This reminds you that you are more than your worries—you are grounded in this exact moment.
3. The Focus Shift: Mindful Observation
When your mind is juggling stressful thoughts, give it one simple thing to focus on. This technique uses an everyday object to anchor your attention and bring clarity.
How to do it: Pick up a nearby object, a pen, coffee mug, or a leaf. For one minute, give it your full attention. Notice its colors, textures, and shape. Observe how light reflects off its surface. Feel its weight and temperature. Engage all your senses in exploring this single object.
Why it works: Your brain cannot simultaneously focus on intricate sensory details and abstract worries. This intentional focus shift deprives anxiety of the attention it needs, giving you a brief but powerful mental reset.
4. The Quickest Pause: “Just One Breath” Meditation
Sometimes, you don’t even have a full minute. The “Just One Breath” meditation is the ultimate tool for creating a micro-pause in a chaotic day.
How to do it: Stop what you’re doing. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, feeling your belly expand like a balloon. Follow the breath as it fills your lungs. At the peak of your inhale, pause briefly. Then exhale slowly through your mouth, releasing every bit of air and tension.
Why it works: This single, conscious breath acts as a circuit breaker. It creates space between a stressful trigger and your habitual reaction. It’s a powerful reminder that you can choose to pause before you respond.
5. The Gentle Reassurance: A Simple Mantra
Stress often brings a harsh inner critic. Counteract negative self-talk with a calming, compassionate mantra.
How to do it: Choose a simple, comforting phrase such as “I am calm and at ease,” “This moment will pass,” or simply “Calm.” Close your eyes and, as you breathe in, silently repeat the first part of the phrase (e.g., “I am calm”). As you exhale, repeat the second part (“and at ease”). Continue for 10–15 breaths.
Why it works: A mantra replaces the frantic loop of anxious thoughts with a soothing and intentional one. It helps you coach yourself through difficult moments with kindness and self-compassion.
Simple breathing exercises and meditation can be powerful tools for beating stress. The next time you feel overwhelmed, try one of these methods to help you push through. With these meditation tips, you can reconnect with your inner calm and move from stress to serenity.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 06, 2025, 18:09 IST
