Mar 15, 2026
When breathwork doesn't work
Breathing exercises are everywhere. But for some people they actually increase anxiety. Here's what's going on — and what to try instead.
Dr. Anika Patel
Clinical Psychologist · 4 min read
Breathing exercises are the default tool for anxiety, recommended by everyone from clinicians to wellness apps. For most people, they help. For some people, they make things worse.
If focusing on your breath spikes your heart rate or makes you feel like you can''t get enough air, you''re not broken. You''re also not alone.
AnxietyBreathwork