Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes excessive or persistent, it can interfere with daily functioning. It involves feelings of worry, nervousness, and physical symptoms like increased heart rate.

How can breathing techniques help with anxiety?

Breathing techniques activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm the body's stress response. Techniques like 4-7-8 breathing and box breathing can reduce anxiety symptoms within minutes.

Anxiety

Feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease that can interfere with daily life.

Last reviewed: 2026-01-12

What helps

4-7-8 Breathing
Box Breathing
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding
Mindfulness Meditation
Physiological Sigh

Related conditions

Stress
Depression

Related symptoms

Insomnia
Chronic Pain
Fatigue

Frequently asked questions

What is anxiety?: Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes excessive or persistent, it can interfere with daily functioning. It involves feelings of worry, nervousness, and physical symptoms like increased heart rate.
How can breathing techniques help with anxiety?: Breathing techniques activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm the body's stress response. Techniques like 4-7-8 breathing and box breathing can reduce anxiety symptoms within minutes.

Explore more

Start here: Manage Anxiety

Top techniques

4-7-8 Breathing (5-10 minutes)
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding (2-5 minutes)
Box Breathing (5-10 minutes)
Mindfulness Meditation (10-30 minutes)
Physiological Sigh (30 seconds - 2 minutes)