Welcome. I'm Julia Cartwright, and I'm so glad you're here. It's Thursday morning, and if you're like most people I know, you're probably carrying a little tension right now. Maybe it's that meeting looming at work, or perhaps you're just running behind and feeling that familiar tightness in your chest. Today, we're going to spend five minutes together releasing that stress, not by pushing it away, but by actually befriending it. Sounds weird? I promise it works.

Let's start by getting comfortable. Wherever you are right now—at your desk, in your car, on a park bench—just find a position where your spine can be reasonably upright. Not rigid, just gently tall, like a plant growing toward the sun. Now, take one deep breath in through your nose, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Again. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Beautiful. Already, you're sending a signal to your nervous system that you're safe.

Here's what we're going to do. I'm going to guide you through what I call the Five-Count Release. It's simple, and it's incredibly powerful. Close your eyes gently, and let's begin.

Breathe in slowly for a count of five. One, two, three, four, five. Really feel your belly expand, like you're filling a balloon from the bottom up. Hold it for just a moment. Now exhale for a count of seven. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. This longer exhale activates your parasympathetic nervous system—the part of you that knows how to relax. It's like telling your body, okay, we're safe now.

Let's do this again. In for five. Feel that cool air entering your nostrils. Two, three, four, five. And hold. Now out for seven. Imagine stress leaving your body like steam rising from a warm cup of tea. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. Notice how your shoulders might be dropping a little.

One more time. In for five. Imagine breathing in calm, golden light. Two, three, four, five. Hold it. And out for seven, releasing everything that doesn't serve you. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven.

Here's the thing about this practice: you can do it anywhere, anytime. Before that tough conversation, before you check your email, before bed. It takes less time than scrolling through your phone, and honestly, it feels a lot better.

Gently bring your awareness back to the room. Wiggle your fingers and toes. When you're ready, open your eyes. You just gave yourself the gift of presence, and that matters.

Thank you so much for joining me on Daily Mindfulness: Five-Minute Meditations for Stress Relief. I hope this practice travels with you today. Please subscribe so you never miss a moment of calm. I'll be here tomorrow. You've got this.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI