Deep breathing is probably the best way to lower stress in the body. It can be done all the time and it quickly gives you the results. Deep breathing helps oxygenate the blood, massages the internal organs and takes the edge off our stress response. In addition, it also helps in controlling anger and anxieties when these kick in. Healing systems such as yoga, Tai Chi and some forms of meditations, have long realized the healing benefits of the breath.
Here is how the process goes:
1. Sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes.
2. Begin by taking a very deep slow breath. Inhale the air (through nose) to the count of four until your abdomen rises.
3. Hold that breath inside to the count of two. Tell yourself: “I'm relaxing. I feel relaxed.”
4. If with every inbreath and outbreath, your belly rises, then that's good. Try not to use your chest, but by only allowing your belly to rise and fall when you breathe in and out.
4. Now, exhale slowly and steadily through your nose, without rushing. Hold for a count of four.
6. Notice your body relaxing. Continue the pattern for five to 10 cycles of inhale-exhale.
