Stress Awareness Month is observed in April every year, aiming to raise awareness about the negative impacts of stress on our physical and mental health. The causes and consequences of stress vary across individuals, but it’s imperative to take steps to manage stress levels through healthy coping mechanisms and stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, and self-care. 

One such practice which is often overlooked is breathing. Rooted in age-old traditions for generations, breath work has gained prominence as a therapeutic method owing to its documented positive impacts on health. “Box breathing, also referred to as square breathing, represents a method utilised for deliberate, slow inhalation and exhalation. Offering a structured approach to deliberate inhalation and exhalation, box breathing, emerges as a potent method for managing stress. Amidst various deep breathing techniques, box breathing stands out for its efficacy in inducing relaxation,” explains Dr John Muchahary, consultant-pulmonology at Manipal Hospitals, Goa.