“He who breathes partially lives partially” is an old Chinese proverb, and one that seems more relevant to us now than at any time before in human history. Even a generation or two ago, life moved at a significantly slower pace; stress levels were lower and breathing was something we simply did without thinking about it.

In the high-stress world we live in today, however, many seem to live their lives almost in a state of chronic hyperventilation. Shallow, rapid breathing can not only wreak havoc on our mental health, but provoke all sorts of physical health issues as well.

Breathing is one of the more unique systems of the body because it operates automatically via the Autonomic Nervous System, but it can also be overridden through conscious intervention.

I’ve seen more than a few clients try to force unnatural breathing patterns on themselves, thinking they can somehow outfox the body and trick it into a more optimal manner of breathing. While some can be useful, they can also become disruptive and in more extreme cases, end up creating a conflict between controlled and uncontrolled breathing patterns, leaving neither able to function optimally. Perhaps we should think twice about trying to rig a system that nature has, through millions of years of trial and error, developed into a highly optimized system.

So what are our options? I’m sure there are many, but from what I’ve observed, the best way to reestablish a deep, natural breathing pattern is to get out of the way and let the body do its thing. To do this, take a moment and close your eyes (preferably not while driving) and simply watch your breathing as a conscious but passive observer. Don’t’ try to change anything. Don’t count. Just relax. Your body really does have its own innate wisdom, so trust in it. Simply observe and give your breathing a little space and time to find its center again. And by focusing on your breathing, you also quiet much of the mental chatter that gets your breathing into trouble in the first place—a double win!

That’s it. Really. For me, I’ve found it usually takes between 5 and 10 minutes to reestablish a good rhythmical pattern again, and once established, it will usually continue for some time into your workaday world as well.