Simply Self Help Podcast

Gentle Heart Breathing (No Counting, No Forcing)


Listen Later

This practice was created in response to clients who told me:

* “Deep breathing makes my anxiety worse.”

* “I feel panic when I count breaths.”

* “Slow breathing feels forced.”

* “I feel like I’m doing meditation wrong.”

* “Breathwork just doesn’t work for me.”

If traditional breathing exercises feel activating, uncomfortable, or performance-based, this is a different approach.

This is a gentle, HeartMath-inspired practice that focuses on:

• observing the natural breath instead of controlling it• resting awareness in the heart area• allowing the nervous system to settle without forcing calm• inviting contentment rather than striving for gratitude

There is no breath counting.No deep breathing instructions.No pressure to slow down.

Instead, this practice supports nervous system regulation through simple awareness and heart-focused attention — which can feel safer for people with anxiety, burnout, ADHD, or nervous system sensitivity.

It’s especially helpful if:

* Deep breathing increases your anxiety

* Meditation feels frustrating

* You struggle with structured breathwork

* You feel overstimulated or wired-but-tired

* You want a gentle nervous system reset



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simplyselfhelp.substack.com
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Simply Self Help PodcastBy Sally-Anne | Therapist