top of page

How to do a simple breathing exercise before bed to calm down faster

Author: Oleh Betekhtin

Editor, Medical Psychologist: Nataliia Betekhtina 

How to prepare your body for the first slow inhale before sleep

To begin easing into a calmer state before sleep, start by finding a comfortable position. You can sit or lie down in a quiet place. Close your eyes and take a moment to settle in with your body, allowing yourself to feel present in the moment. One small action you can take is to gently stretch your neck or shoulders, which helps to release built-up tension. With each stretch, focus on creating a bit more space inside yourself. Another effective step is to place your hand on your abdomen. This simple act of touch can help ground you and signal to your body that it’s time to transition into relaxation. As you prepare for your first slow inhale, allow your thoughts to drift away, focusing solely on the rhythm of your breath. You might also consider a practical solution in Telegram that can guide you through a calming routine, taking just about 4 minutes to help you start this journey toward relaxation.


How to make the exhale longer so the nervous system begins to calm down

A key component of calming your body is learning how to extend your exhales. Start by inhaling through your nose for a count of four, filling your lungs fully. Once you’ve taken a deep breath in, exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of six or eight, letting all the air escape. This extended exhale serves as a signal to your nervous system to relax. It’s a simple technique that you can easily practice, even when feeling overwhelmed. By focusing on a longer exhale, you can help restore a sense of calm without adding any additional pressure on yourself.


What to do if your thoughts keep racing while you breathe

It’s common to experience racing thoughts during breathing exercises. If your mind starts to wander, try not to react impulsively by forcing yourself to clear your mind. Instead, acknowledge those thoughts and gently guide your focus back to your breath. Recognize that feeling restless is a natural part of the process. Avoiding quick fixes, such as looking at your phone or getting up to do something else, can help to minimize distractions. Instead, return to your breath, and remember that it’s okay if your thoughts are present; just let them exist without engaging with them too deeply.


How to notice the first signs that the body is entering sleep mode

As you practice your breathing exercises, pay attention to subtle changes in your body. You may start to feel a sense of spaciousness in your chest or an easing of tension in your muscles. These are some of the first signs that your body is beginning to shift into a more relaxed state. Noticing these small shifts can be encouraging and indicates that your body is responding positively to the breathing exercise. Observe these sensations without judgment, allowing them to guide you toward deeper relaxation.


How to do the exercise gently without chest tension or trying to make it perfect

The goal of this breathing exercise is to keep it simple and effortless. Avoid placing any pressure on yourself to achieve a specific outcome or to breathe a certain way. Instead, focus on being gentle with yourself throughout the process. Allow your breaths to come naturally without forcing them. The simplicity of this approach can often lead to better results than trying to manage multiple techniques at once. Embrace the concept of support rather than perfection, knowing that the objective is simply to help yourself ease into a restful state. You can start with a practical solution in Telegram that guides you through a gentle breathing exercise lasting approximately 4 minutes, allowing you to take that small step towards relaxation.


Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the first step to start breathing exercises for sleep?

Begin by finding a comfortable position and closing your eyes to help you focus.


How can I calm my racing thoughts while breathing?

Acknowledge your thoughts and gently guide your focus back to your breath without forcing them away.


What should I notice when the breathing exercise is working?

Look for signs like a feeling of spaciousness or reduced muscle tension as indicators of relaxation.


How can I practice breathing exercises without feeling overwhelmed?

Keep your approach simple and avoid adding unnecessary pressure to achieve a specific breathing pattern.

bottom of page