Discover the military's secret breath technique to instantly calm your nerves

Life's constant demands can leave us feeling overwhelmed and drained. Imagine a powerful technique, trusted by experts in the most intense situations, that could help you find calm in the chaos.

Are you ready to discover the secret to lasting inner peace?


Enter the world of tactical breathing, a method with roots as deep as history itself, refined by warriors and now adapted for anyone seeking solace in stressful times.

Here at The GrayVine, we understand the importance of maintaining a calm and focused mind, especially as we navigate the golden years.

Let's explore this ancient technique that's been modernized for the battles we face today.


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Chronic stress can have severe consequences on both physical and mental health. Image source: RDNE Stock project/Pexels.


Mark Divine, a former US Navy SEALs Commander, shared with Forbes the significance of this technique in his military career, stating, “It was instrumental in saving my life several times in crises.”

But you don't need to be in a life-or-death situation to benefit from tactical breathing. This method is a powerful ally in any high-pressure scenario.


Here's how to practice tactical breathing:

1. Find a quiet space where you can sit or lie down comfortably.

2. Close your eyes to minimize distractions and focus inward.

3. Inhale slowly through your nose, mentally counting to four, visualizing each number as you fill your lungs with air.

4. Hold your breath for another count of four, allowing the oxygen to circulate throughout your body.

5. Exhale slowly through your mouth to the same four-count, releasing tension and stress with each breath out.

6. Pause for a count of four before beginning the next breath.

7. Repeat this cycle three to five times, or until you feel a sense of calm wash over you.

It's no secret that stress is a prevalent issue, with nearly half of Americans reporting regular feelings of stress.

While short bursts of stress can enhance performance, chronic stress is a different beast, one that can lead to a host of health problems, including heart disease, weakened immunity, and mental health struggles.


When we're stressed, our bodies enter “fight or flight” mode, releasing hormones like cortisol. This is helpful in the short term but damaging when the stress doesn't let up.

That's where tactical breathing comes in.

By engaging in this practice, you stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which acts like a brake on the stress response, promoting relaxation and reducing the harmful effects of prolonged stress.

While the military has popularized tactical breathing, its origins can be traced back to pranayama, an ancient breathwork practice from India.

Pranayama, often incorporated into yoga, includes various techniques designed to calm, energize, and focus the mind.

Tal Rabinowitz, founder and CEO of the DEN Meditation in Los Angeles, acknowledges the ancient roots of this practice and its modern application, noting that the military has brought it into the mainstream.
Key Takeaways
  • Service members and others in high-stress professions use a technique known as tactical breathing to maintain calm and focus.
  • Tactical breathing involves inhaling and exhaling to a count of four, holding breath in between, and repeating the cycle several times.
  • Chronic stress can have severe consequences on both physical and mental health, but deep breathing can act as a natural tranquiliser to mitigate stress responses.
  • The technique is supported by military practice and has origins in pranayama, an ancient breathwork practice from India, now gaining popularity in the general public for stress management.
Have you tried tactical breathing or another form of breathwork? What methods do you use to stay calm in stressful situations? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.
 

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