Breathe your Way to Calmness and Interview Success 

Are you feeling a little nervous about an upcoming interview? Take a deep breath and conquer your nerves with our proven belly breathing technique. 

Also known as diaphragmatic breathing, belly breathing involves taking slow, deep breaths through the nose while expanding the belly. This technique allows the diaphragm muscle to contract and flatten, which enables the lungs to fill with more oxygen and carbon dioxide. As a result, stress, anxiety, and muscle tension can be significantly reduced. 

Engaging in belly breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body’s rest and relaxation response. This results in a slower heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and relaxed muscles, leading to a sense of calmness and tranquillity. 

Here are six simple steps to follow for a calmer you: 

1. Find a quiet and comfortable space to sit or lie down 
2. Place one hand on your belly, over your belly button, and the other on your chest. Relax and breathe normally 
3. Notice where you feel your body moving in line with your breath 
4. On your next breath, focus on breathing right down into your belly and allowing your chest to remain still 
5. As you inhale, feel your belly expand, and as you exhale, feel it gently fall back down towards your spine 
6. Observe as your body’s rest and relaxation response is activated 

This technique can be used for interview preparation or as part of your daily routine. Anytime you feel stressed, place your hand on your belly and let your nervous system do the rest! 

Kristie Axe  

Recruitment Consultant  

Meditation & Mindfulness Facilitator