Jessica Walls

Enjoy the calming effects of deep breathing with this simple guided exercise. The 4-7-8 rhythmic breathing is a core part of many meditation and yoga practices as it promotes relaxation and can also be used to help you fall asleep in a shorter period of time.

The goal is to calm your sympathetic nervous system, which controls the fight-or-flight response. The time needed will vary. Around 8 cycles are often recommended, however, ideally you will practice the exercise until your body relaxes.

If you tend to be a shallow breather, it’s common to feel a little lightheaded when you start taking deeper breaths. This sensation will pass as your body becomes accustomed to a greater flow of oxygen. You can always take a short break and resume the exercise once you feel normal.

NOTE: The 4-7-8 count does not represent seconds. It is purposefully slower in this video. There are also other version of the 4-7-8 exercise that follow an easier pace on this channel - feel free to try them all.