Which form of breathwork or relaxation technique genuinely works best for you?

Used by Navy SEALs and increasingly recommended by NHS stress clinics, box breathing involves inhaling, holding, exhaling, and holding again in equal counts. It's simple, discreet, and can be done on the Tube without anyone noticing.

The Dutch 'Iceman' has built a global following, and plenty of Brits swear by his combination of rhythmic deep breathing and cold exposure. It's intense, polarising, and not recommended if you fancy a gentle Sunday morning.

Often called 'yogic sleep', this guided meditation technique takes you to the edge of consciousness and is said to be as restorative as several hours of sleep. It's become a staple in UK wellness studios and is now widely available as NHS-adjacent therapy.

A cornerstone of CBT-based stress management in the UK, this technique involves systematically tensing and releasing muscle groups to trigger deep physical relaxation. It sounds a bit odd until you try it after a long day and melt into the sofa.

Inhale for four counts, hold for seven, exhale for eight — this technique has gained serious traction in the UK as a natural way to calm the nervous system and ease anxiety without medication. Simple enough to teach a teenager, effective enough for a GP to suggest it.