With increasing stress levels worldwide, it’s more important than ever to have accessible therapeutic approaches. Priority Health recognizes this need and provides resources to support mental health and overall well-being. Methods like the 1-2-3 breathing technique can play a significant role in public health.
“This technique serves as a form of meditation that utilizes breathwork to combat stress and anxiety, improve mood, and even assist with sleep,” says Dr. Charletta Dennis, medical director of behavioral health at Priority Health. “Rooted in the principles of breathwork, it encourages a structured approach to breathing, allowing us to regain control over our emotions and achieve mental clarity.”
Implementing the 1-2-3 breathing technique
To effectively implement the 1-2-3 breathing technique:
- Take a deep breath in through your nose.
- Hold your breath and count ‘1-2-3.’
- Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of ‘1-2-3.’
- Repeat these steps as many times as you need.
As breathwork, including this technique, continues to be utilized as a mindfulness practice, it’s important to maintain a balanced perspective. “Various studies have shown that breathwork can lead to benefits like reduced stress and improved mental health; however, it is only one piece of the overall wellness puzzle,” says Dr. Dennis.
Sharing the 1-2-3 breathing technique with your children
Parents, guardians, teachers and children can use the 1-2-3 breathing technique whenever they’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious.
We incorporated the 1-2-3 breathing technique into our children’s book, Frida’s Fireworks. Inspired by real students, real parents, and real facility dogs, this book was created to encourage and support parents and children to better understand and manage big emotions. In addition to the book, these resources can help us all take proactive steps toward improved wellness – one breath at a time.
