Have you ever noticed how you breathe when you feel relaxed? Breathing exercises can help you relax, because they make your body feel like it does when you are already relaxed. Deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body. This is because when you breathe deeply it sends a message to your brain to calm down and relax. The brain then sends this message to your body. So I want to share with you a breathing technique that I have been taught and use often that really helps me.  It is the Four-Seven-Eight Breath. All inhalations are done through your NOSE: all exhalations through your MOUTH.

1. Commence inhaling slowly, smoothly and deeply to a mental count of 4 seconds. Fill your lower lungs first (by pushing out your abdomen), then your middle and upper lungs.
2. Hold your breath for a mental count of 5 to 7 seconds.
3. Slowly and smoothly exhale for a mental count of 6 to 8 seconds.
4. As you exhale, try to let go of all your anxiety, tension & stress.

That’s one round. Pause briefly without inhaling then start another round. This natural pause is very therapeutic and relaxing.

Summary: Inhale for 4 seconds - Hold for 5 to 7 seconds - Exhale for 6 to 8 seconds - Pause briefly - Repeat.

Tips
    1. Can be done anywhere - on a bus, in a line, at work, before a test
    2. If you lose your breath, stop, breathe freely then try again
    3. With practice your pauses between rounds will naturally get longer

So remember…The way you breathe affects your whole body. Breathing exercises are a good way to relax, reduce tension, and relieve stress.  Breathing exercises are easy to learn. You can do them whenever you want, and you don’t need any special tools or equipment to do them.  I even do these with my daughter!  So teach your little ones!  Better yet, do it in front of them.  They learn just by watching everything you do.