Anxiety in the workplace is a serious problem. When we are highly stressed, the part of our brain responsible for rational thinking is impaired which makes it difficult to regain control. Simple breathing techniques can help you gain some mastery over your mind and help you gain control, such as preparing for a presentation!

How does this work? Changing the rhythm of your breath can signal relaxation, slowing your heart rate and stimulating the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain stem to the abdomen, and is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” activities (in contrast to the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates many of our “fight or flight” responses).

Triggering your parasympathetic nervous system helps you start to calm down. You feel better. And your ability to think rationally returns.