Let's practice 4-7-8 breathing together. Breathe in for a count of 4. Hold for a count of 7. Exhale slowly for a count of 8. Make it a daily practice to give yourself a break with 3-4 of these and you’ll see the difference. This slow breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, which functions to control our nervous system. Stimulating the vagus nerve can slow your heart rate, increase relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety. The counting takes your focus off everything else and puts it just on the breath, shutting off your worried mind for a time.