Box breathing activates the body’s natural relaxation response, helping calm the nervous system, lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure and promote a greater sense of physical and emotional calm. Slow, intentional breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the body’s “rest and digest” response, helping to slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure. Thank you to Lauren Adamkiewicz, owner of Salt of the Earth Yoga, for offering this healing practice.