Health 6 WAYS TO FEEL GREAT We know that pain can cause stress and anxiety, but there are things you can do to help you feel calmer and happier almost instantly. We show you how WORDS: Louise Parfitt #1 And breathe You may have heard the phrase take five minutes. But what do you do with this time? Breathing techniques will help slow your breathing, which will calm your nervous system and decrease stress in your body. When Shard Fouracres was introduced to breathing techniques by her yoga teacher, it changed how she dealt with stress. Its amazing how being conscious of my breathing instantly connects my mind and body, she says. Techniques such as box breathing are a quick and easy way to ease down mentally and physically when you feel stressed. Breathing exercises can be done anywhere, at any time, and even a couple of rounds can change how you are feeling. BOX OR SQUARE BREATHING Step 1: Breathe in, counting to four slowly. Feel the air enter your lungs. Step 2: Hold your breath for four seconds. Step 3: Slowly exhale through your mouth for four seconds. Step 4: Hold your breath for four seconds. Repeat until you feel recentred. You can also use this visualisation to help: bit.ly/Insp23BT 6 Inspire Spring 23 pp06-07 6 ways.indd 6 15/02/2023 09:07