When your breath slows, blood flow improves — including to your penis. Because they’re no longer stuck in stress mode. This isn’t woo-woo — it’s biology. This activates the parasympathetic system, reduces cortisol, and prepares your body for testosterone production and recovery. Add this to your daily movement practice for amplified results. Just five minutes of intentional breath can reduce cortisol and increase anabolic hormone response. Purse your lips together and empty your lungs as you exert energy from your body. Don’t forget about the benefits of inhaling through your nose, then add that to a forced exhale through your mouth to allow for core bracing. Exhale to completely empty the lungs calmly and in a controlled manner. To take a proper diaphragmatic breath, start lying down comfortably or standing up, and place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Are you eating and reading this at the same time? If you enjoyed this post, share it with the professionals you know who want to maintain a prepared state of mind. Your body has just released a heap of stored sugars, fats and your adrenaline levels are through the roof. It may help clear the mind, relax the body, and improve focus. When you’re worried or stressed, you may notice that your breath gets quicker and shallower. "Do it at a time when you’re doing regular things in your day," Dr. Wei suggests. For example, wash your face and then do a round of box breathing, or make box breathing the first thing you do when you slip into bed. "Because of the even balance between the parts of the breath, it’s easy to pair with mindful walking," she says. Box breathing is a straightforward technique, and all you need to get started is your breath. One round of box breathing (which takes just 16 seconds) may be all you need—or you may want to repeat the sequence. Join our list and get exclusive offers, FREE Boxing and Kickboxing training tips & tricks, and endless health & fitness inspo to inspire the fighter within. Let’s try it right now so you can use it next time you’re pounding the heavy bag between rounds or doing a cool down routine. Repeat steps 1-4 until you feel relaxed and more focused. Box breathing improves cardiorespiratory fitness and respiratory muscle strength, significantly reducing blood pressure, enhancing attention, and reducing fatigue and anxiety. This type of meditative breathing is a quick one-minute trick to regain control of yourself. Practising regularly helps you access that calm composure more easily in real-time situations. When you slow and equalise your breath, sensors in your lungs and heart send feedback to the brain’s stress response centres, signalling safety. The rhythm anchors attention and regulates your body’s nervous system in real time. To slow time down when things feel fast, pressured or uncertain. Calm your mind with 14 days of Calm for free Did you recently get some news that made your stress levels shoot up? When you go on a walk (whether around your neighborhood or on your Peloton Tread or Tread+), try taking some box breaths, Dr. Wei suggests. But make sure you’re filling your lungs completely on the inhale, Denis says.