Enjoy This Week’s CommonHealth Weekly Wellnote

Breathe Free: A Quick Breathing Exercise Can Help You Worry Less

When you are burdened with worry, it may seem like a challenge to do anything. We do, however, know we can breathe. The physical reaction that occurs with deep breathing is incompatible with worry or even real danger. Your heart rate decreases as you breathe. Your brain can then assess the situation and your reaction. The physical act of breathing deeply can be more calming than words at times. Tensing and relaxing your fingers and toes can have the same effect.

It can be helpful to practice during low-stress times, so you can do it simply during times of elevated stress or levels of worry. Try practicing the 3-4-5 breathing exercise before work, at lunch, and before you head home for the night: Breathe in for 3 counts, hold for 4, and exhale for a count of 5. You can also practice muscle relaxation as well. With practice, your body will be able to head off your worries before they get overwhelming. Stay Well!

Stay Well!

If you have questions regarding this week’s communication or the CommonHealth program, please reach out to your respective campus coordinator below:

Alexandria-Kathy Clement or Najeeb Baha
Annandale-Regina Sanders
Fairfax/College Staff-Angel Mori
Loudoun-Liz Hamrick
Manassas-ThuyTien Ngo-Nguyen
Springfield Medical Education Campus (MEC)-Corrine House
Woodbridge-Georgette Harris

Submitted by:
Charlotte Calobrisi, AVP of HR, CCalobrisi@nvcc.edu