Lion's breath
One deep breath in, then a big loud exhale, used to break a spiral of frustration
Borrowed from yoga: a full inhale, then a forceful open-mouthed exhale, often with a roar. Parents teach it to children as a way to let off steam, and adults use the same mechanics more quietly to reset when frustration is building. Five seconds, free, anywhere you are allowed to make noise.
People on record
Sorted by strength of stance
Does it: documented as part of their own routine. Recommends: explicitly advises other people to do it. Discusses: covered it substantively without clear personal adoption; this can include criticism or disagreement.
- Michael PhelpsRecommends
Olympic swimmer · Most decorated Olympian in history
A deep inhale, then a gigantic roar. He taught his young sons the lion breath for moments of frustration or high anxiety, and says there is a lot of roaring in the house.
Source: TODAY: Michael Phelps shares the breathing technique that helps his kids ease their anxiety
Aimed at the same thing
Other entries filed under stress.
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Daily meditation
10-20 minutes of formal practice, most days
On record from 21 of 62 tracked people: 17 do it, 1 recommends it, 3 have discussed it - HabitFREE, no cost
Daily walking
A long walk most days, often without headphones
On record from 19 of 62 tracked people: 14 do it, 5 recommend it - HabitFREE, no cost
Journaling
Writing to unload the mind, usually first thing or last thing
On record from 14 of 62 tracked people: 13 do it, 1 recommends it - HabitFREE, no cost
Gratitude practice
Writing down a few specific things you are grateful for, daily
On record from 13 of 62 tracked people: 11 do it, 1 recommends it, 1 has discussed it - HabitFREE, no cost
Deliberate solitude
Regular time with your own thoughts and no other inputs
On record from 12 of 62 tracked people: 9 do it, 3 recommend it - HabitFREE, no cost
Daily prayer
A fixed time for prayer each morning, before the phone and before the day starts
On record from 4 of 62 tracked people: 4 do it
Habit entry · notes paraphrased from cited sources, quoted excerpts copied from the transcript they link to. Not medical advice. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or reviewed by anyone listed. How this works.