Stress, either to mind or body – a deadline at work, a very bad headache, presenting to a crowd,  chronic pain – often causes very physical reactions: your muscles tense and can even cramp, your heart rate rises, you cannot easily concentrate, and often your breathing becomes faster and shallower.

Diaphragmatic breathing is a style of breathing that can release stress from your body, helping you to calm, relax, and ultimately feel better.