Box Breathing: A Mindfulness Technique for Parents of Teens with Anxiety

Parenting a teenager with anxiety can be a challenging experience. You’re not only managing your own stress but also trying to create a calming environment for your teen. Box breathing, also known as four-square breathing, is a relaxation technique that can benefit both you and your anxious teen.

What is Box Breathing?

Box breathing is a simple and effective breathing exercise. It consists of four stages: inhaling, holding the breath, exhaling, and another breath hold. Each stage lasts for a count of four seconds, creating a “box” pattern.

Why Box Breathing is Beneficial for you and your teen?

For You:

• Reduced Stress: Helps to calm your nerves, making it easier to manage parenting challenges.
• Increased Focus: A clearer mind helps you become more present for your teen.
• Emotional Resilience: Equips you with the patience and balance to handle difficult situations.

For Your Teen

• Anxiety Relief: Activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing symptoms of anxiety.
• Better Sleep: Aids in relaxing the mind, facilitating a more peaceful sleep.
• Improved Emotional Regulation: Helps teens gain more control over their emotional responses.

How to Practice Box Breathing with Your Teen

1. Find a Quiet Space: Choose a comfortable, quiet location free of distractions.
2. Sit Down or Lie Flat: Both you and your teen should assume a comfortable position.
3. Inhale for 4 Seconds: Take a slow, deep breath in through the nose.
4. Hold for 4 Seconds: Retain the air without inhaling or exhaling.
5. Exhale for 4 Seconds: Release the breath slowly through the mouth.
6. Hold for 4 Seconds: Wait for another four seconds without breathing in or out.

Repeat these steps a few times. You can do this exercise together or teach it to your teen as a self-regulating technique.

Tips for Success

• Start Small: Begin with just a couple of cycles and gradually work your way up.
• Be Consistent: Make it a daily practice or use it in high-stress situations.
• Adapt as Needed: If four seconds feels too long, adjust the timing. The key is to keep the intervals equal.

Box breathing is a versatile tool that can be easily integrated into your daily routine or employed in moments of heightened stress. It’s an excellent way to help both you and your anxious teen find a bit of tranquility in an often chaotic world.