Breathing Techniques for Anxiety | 4-2-6-2 Guided Exercise. This guided breathing exercise is a simple technique to calm your nervous system and ease stress. You’ll inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 2, exhale for 6, and hold again for 2. It helps slow your heart rate and bring your mind back to a calmer state. Breathing techniques like this work by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which signals to your body that it’s safe to relax. Just a few minutes of practice can help reduce anxiet