Mindful Monday 1 - Square Breath

We're beginning our Mindful Monday Series with a breathwork practice called Square Breath, also sometimes known as Box Breath. This breath can lower blood pressure and provide an almost immediate sense of calm.
As you hold the breath it allows CO2 to build up in your bloodstream. This increase in blood CO2 enhances the vagus nerves cardio-inhibitory response when you exhale and stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system. Your parasympathetic nervous system is the part of your nervous system that drops us into "rest and digest".
Square Breathing isn't just used by yogis. The US Navy Seals, first responders, and even professional athletes use this breathing technique to reduce stress, to increase focus, gain composure, combat nervousness, anxiety and worry.