In times of stress, try to:

• Stay active – exercise is a great release
• Breathe deeply
• Get plenty of rest
• Eat a nutritious diet
• Learn how to manage your time
• Avoid self-medication
• Seek help and comfort from loved ones

Take a deep breath!

Shallow, rapid breathing is a common response to stress, and one which often exacerbates the situation. Slow, controlled and even breathing in through the nose, on the other hand, can help us to relax and get through periods of stress.

Controlled breathing can help:

• Lower your heart-rate and blood pressure
• Reduce stress hormones in the blood
• Improve the immune system
• Correct imbalances between oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood
• Reduce lactic acid build-up in muscles

Osteopathy can help improve the way you breathe by releasing tension held in the diaphragm and respiratory system, and by opening up the ribcage through postural correction.