The combat breathing technique used by people in the military to calm down

You don’t need to be on the front lines to feel like you’re in a battle.Service members, first responders and law enforcement personnel are among those who rely on a tactical breathing technique to steady their nerves and stay sharp in high-stress situations.“Warriors from every culture have used this technique throughout the centuries to maintain a calm and focused mind,” Mark Divine, former US Navy SEALs Commander, told Forbes.

“It was instrumental in saving my life several times in crises.”Nearly 46% of Americans report feeling stressed on a regular basis — so it’s no surprise that the military’s tactical breathing technique is gaining traction as a powerful tool for the general public.Short bursts of stress can actually help you perform better.But research shows that chronic stress is a silent killer, wreaking havoc on both the body and the mind.When stress hits, your body releases cortisol and other hormones to kickstart the “fight or flight” response.

Normally, these levels drop once the threat is gone.But when stress becomes a constant, cortisol stays elevated, gradually disrupting key bodily functions over time.The fallout is serious.

Chronic stress has been linked to everything from weight gain and high blood pressure to muscle weakness, heart disease and even a weakened immune system.Subscribe to our weekly Post Care newsletter! Please provide a valid email address.

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On top of that, long-term stress can exacerbate mental health issues like anxiety, depression and mood swings, while also messing with your sleep.But here’s the good news: A simple deep breath can pump the brakes on that stress response.“It’s the most precise pharmaceutical you could ever give yourself, side effect free,” neuroscientist Ian Robertson told BBC.“Taking control of your breathing is like...