Here is one simple breathing exercise that you can do anywhere whenever you feel tensed or angry. We don’t notice our breathing but that is one thing that we never stop doing whether awake or asleep. Notice how people breathe when they are angry or anxious. They breathe faster and shorter. But if you look at babies sleeping soundly, they breathe deeply. If you practice this breathing exercise, you will notice that you are more relaxed and that you breathe more deeply.

First, sit straight on a chair. Be aware of your back. Imagine that there is a string that is pulling you from the ceiling directly on top of you. Gently rotate your shoulders backwards and put your hands on your lap. Close your eyes.

You will be aware of your breathing by counting while you are breathing. While you are performing this breathing exercise, it is important that you don’t control your breathing. Just let your breathing go naturally. Inhale and when you exhale, mentally say, 50. When you inhale, mentally say 49. Count backwards until you reach 20. Notice your breath and notice your count. Even numbers when exhaling and odd numbers when inhaling.

When you reach 20, count only during exhalations until you reach 0.

You can do this while on your way home from work, while preparing for a stressful meeting or whenever you want to relax. I will more tips to make this breathing exercise more effective in my next posts.