Does anyone else think taking slow deep breaths doesn’t actually calm the mind?

[Tuppity]

I just heard this on the radio as a recommendation for people who are struggling going out and getting back to normal. I always think it is such a misleading phrase. I believe it’s the exhale that needs to be slow to calm the mind/body. But slow deep breaths doesn’t really help unless you know that.

It calms the body which gives you the chance to calm the mind.

If we're being picky it's longer breath out than in with a short breath hold in between (plus breathing deeply to fill your lungs, whether you use nose/mouth), but really simply slowing down your breathing in general will be enough to slow down a racing heart.

Instead of taking a deep breath, breathe out slowly and deeply.

I do counted breaths so start off breathing in for 2 out for 2 then 3 then 4 etc up and up.until you start to feel calm. I dont know if its the counting or breathing or both that help.

I agree OP. I always found that taking deep breaths made me more panicky. It was a revelation when I found out you should exhale for longer (and actually works)

Yes it’s isn’t mentioned often enough that you should exhale for longer. Deep breaths tends to make me feel more pumped up !