How to relieve stress with a simple breathing exercise

Stress is an unavoidable part of life.Hectic schedules,balancing work and home life etc.leave many people feeling harried and tense.While the stress itself may be unavoidable,the asociated tension can be relieved.The simple breathing technique outlined here should give you a large measure of relief for a small investment of time(~1min.)

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• a quiet,comfortable place to sit or lie down
• a desire to achieve relaxtion

1. The best way to do this exercise is lying down on a comfortable bed(or anywhere else you feel comfortable)Place your palms flat on your abdomen and slowly inhale through your nostrils.As you inhale ,deliberately push out with your abdominal muscles(feel with your palms).Try to expand your abdomen to its greatest extent(without straining).
2. Now hold this breath for a count of ten.
3. Slowly,but forcefully ,expel the air from your lungs through pursed lips.To ensure that you are emptying your lungs completely,gently press your palms into your stomach.
4. Once you feel that you have emptied your lungs,try to avoid taking a breath for a few seconds,or until you feel you simply must breathe.Use common sense here.The object is to feel better.not pass out!That's it!You should feel a wave of relaxation pass over your body,and a sense of well-being enter your mind.I've used this technique many times when feeling stressed out and it has worked wonders.

Tips & Warnings

• You may repeat this exercise once or twice in a row if you feel it necessary,more than that is probably overkill.
• A good time to do this is probably before retiring for the evening,as you may find it helps you achieve restful sleep.
• Another good time to practice this might be prior to some stressful occasion.like a job interview etc.
• It does not seem to me that this exercise should present any hazards,but in the interest of safety.I would recommend you don't do it standing(in case of dizziness)Also,if any discomfort should occur(beyond the momentary discomfort associated with holding one's breath)stop at once.The object is to feel better,not worse.