The Breathing Exercise That Actually Works For Me

Okay, let me start by saying this: breathing is something we literally do all day without thinking about it. 

Like, if you’re reading this, congrats—you’re already breathing like a pro. 

But here’s the part no one really tells us: the way you breathe changes everything.

I’m talking mood, energy, focus, even how your body feels. 

When I first heard that, I rolled my eyes. 

I mean… how is breathing going to fix my stress over finals, or the fact that I have no energy in the morning? 

But once I actually tried it, I was shocked. Breathing turned out to be this free, built-in tool I didn’t know I had.

And honestly, I should’ve known earlier. 

My mom is a yoga teacher, and she was always reminding me to “breathe deep.” 

She’d talk about how it wasn’t just about air—it was about calming your body and mind. 

Back then I didn’t really get it, but now I see what she meant.

So, here’s the deal there are basically two types of breathing hacks—deep breathing (to calm down) and quick breathing (to wake up). 

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Deep Breathing: The Chill Button

Picture this: you’re about to take a test, your hands are sweaty, your heart is pounding, and your brain feels like it has 100 tabs open. 

Been there? Same. 

That’s when deep breathing comes in clutch.

How it works:

Inhale sloooowly through your nose (count to 4 or 5).

Hold for a sec (like 2–3 counts).

Exhale even slower (count to 6–8).

Repeat until your heart isn’t trying to escape your chest.

It sounds simple, but it’s kind of like hitting a reset button for your body. When you breathe deeply, you’re basically telling your brain, “Yo, we’re safe. Chill out.”

Why I use it:

Before giving a presentation (so my voice doesn’t shake).

At night, when I’m staring at the ceiling and can’t sleep.

When I’m just straight-up overwhelmed.

It’s like giving your brain a cozy blanket. 

And it makes me smile now because my mom was right—she’d always say in her yoga classes, “Deep breaths bring deep peace.” 

At the time, I’d roll my eyes, but now I totally get it.

Bonus tip: Put your hand on your stomach when you do it. 

If your belly rises more than your chest, you’re actually breathing deep instead of just puffing up your lungs.

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Quick Breathing: The Hype Hack

Now, flip the situation. 

It’s first period. 

You’re half-asleep, your teacher is already talking, and your brain feels like mashed potatoes. 

Coffee isn’t an option (or maybe you’re already jittery). 

What do you do? Fast breathing.

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How it works:

Sit up straight.

Inhale and exhale quickly, kind of like mini-bursts (1–2 seconds each).

Do it for 15–30 seconds.

Then go back to normal breathing.

Boom—instant energy boost. It’s like slapping the snooze button on your brain but in reverse.

Why I use it:

Before Volleyball practice when I’m dragging.

When I’m trying not to zone out in class.

On days where I just feel… blah.

Heads up though: Don’t do it too long or too fast—you’ll get dizzy. .

Start short. This isn’t about hyperventilating; it’s about waking your body up.

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Which One Do You Use?

Here’s a way I wish someone had given me earlier:

Stress monster attacking? → Deep breathing.

Energy on empty? → Quick breathing.

Can’t sleep? → Deep breathing.

Need hype before a game or test? → Quick breathing.

It’s kind of like having two apps built into your body: one for calm and one for energy. The cool part? You don’t need Wi-Fi, money, or fancy equipment to use them. Just air.

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Final Thoughts (aka Why You Should Actually Try This)

Look, I get it. Breathing exercises sound boring. 

But once you try them, you realize how much control you actually have over your mood and energy. 

It’s not magic—it’s science, but also kind of feels like a superpower.

And for me, it’s also personal. 

My mom always said deep breathing could change the way you feel—and now I know she was right. 

It’s basically your body’s built-in remote control.

So next time your brain feels like it’s running a million miles an hour, or you’re too tired to even think, remember: you’ve got the controls. 

Just breathe the way you need to. 

Chill out or hype up—it’s all in your lungs.

And honestly? That’s pretty awesome!

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Mini Challenge:

Tonight, before bed, try 5 rounds of deep breathing (inhale 4 seconds, hold 2 seconds, exhale 6 seconds). 

Notice if you fall asleep faster or feel calmer. 

Tomorrow morning, do 15 seconds of quick breathing to wake up. 

Compare how each one makes you feel.