Avoiding imaginary arguments

We all do it, you think of something you should have said in a fight, or you imagine how you’ll navigate a future assumed argument with a significant other or coworker.

These are harmful because your body doesn’t know it’s imaginary, it reacts as if you’re in a life or death situation. This can raise your heart rate and blood pressure.

Any time you find yourself in an imaginary argument in your head, just do some square breathing: 4 second inhale, 4 second hold, 4 second exhale and another 4 second hold. Remind yourself that the argument is in your head and not actually happening.