Best Breathing Techniques for Anxiety Relief – Essential Guide

September 2, 2024

In today’s powerful episode of the anxiety guy I want to outline some very well known and well studied breathing techniques for anxiety relief. The moment you begin using any one of these 4 techniques mentioned in the podcast you will experience a sense of calm and inner peace, please enjoy!

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Anxiety Guy podcast, we dive into the best breathing techniques for anxiety that have proven to be highly effective in calming the mind and body. Dennis shares his top four favorite techniques: box breathing, humming breath, the physiological sigh, and 4-7-8 breathing. Learn how to apply each of these methods in your daily routine to reduce anxiety symptoms and promote inner peace.

Key Points:

  • Box Breathing: A powerful method that involves inhaling, holding, exhaling, and holding again, each for a count of four. This technique helps regulate your breath and reduce stress.
  • Humming Breath: A simple yet effective practice that combines deep breathing with the soothing vibrations of humming, helping to activate the vagus nerve and induce relaxation.
  • Physiological Sigh: This natural reflex involves taking a deep breath followed by a smaller inhale and then a long exhale. It’s a quick way to release tension and reset your nervous system.
  • 4-7-8 Breathing: A calming exercise where you inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. It’s particularly effective for reducing anxiety and improving sleep.

Benefits Discussed:

  • How these breathing techniques help in reducing anxiety by slowing down the heart rate and promoting a sense of calm. If you’d like to be guided by me, you may also use this 5 minute breath work session for mental health on YouTube.
  • The importance of incorporating these practices as a lifestyle for long-term benefits.
  • Personal tips from Dennis on when and how to use these techniques for maximum effect.

Comment below on which of these best breathing techniques for anxiety you will start using today.


The Anxiety Guy Podcast is one of the most popular mental health podcasts in the world with more than 6 million downloads alongside the Health Anxiety Podcast Show.

It has been selected as the top mental health and anxiety podcast on Apple 6 times, and has been listen as a top podcast for anxiety today on Psychology TodayChoosing TherapyBetter HelpWomen’s HealthMarissa Peer and many more. To listen to any of the past episodes for free, check out this page.

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2 comments on “Best Breathing Techniques for Anxiety Relief – Essential Guide

  1. Lumberlady Sep 6, 2024

    Can you do the humming breath technique when not seated? Will it work if you need to do it while standing or reclining? (waiting for the dentist, or waiting in a que?)

    • The Anxiety Guy Sep 9, 2024

      Yes, that’s the beauty of it it can be done anytime and anywhere. Enjoy.