Breathing

Everything Willow Labs has written about Breathing, drawn from CBT, ACT, IFS and other evidence-based approaches. Practical, no fluff, with the techniques therapists actually use.

3 articles

Anxiety · 5 min

How to Do Box Breathing: A 4-Step Reset for an Anxious Moment

Box breathing is four equal counts: inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4. Here is how to use it to steady an anxious moment.

Jul 1, 2026

Anxiety · 5 min

How to Do the Physiological Sigh: The Fastest Breath to Calm Down

The physiological sigh is a double inhale through the nose followed by a long exhale through the mouth. Here is exactly how to do it.

Jun 30, 2026

Anxiety · 8 min

Anxiety, Explained: Why It Happens and How to Calm It

How to calm anxiety: slow your exhale, name the threat, drop the safety behaviors. Here is what anxiety is, why your body does it, and what actually helps.

Jun 18, 2026