Relaxed breathing is an effective way to manage stress. Many of us don’t notice our breathing until something stresses us and we “catch our breath”.

The reason we breathe is so that we can fill our lungs with oxygen, the fuel of our bodies, and release waste products from inside our bodies. When we become stressed, our bodies demand considerably more fuel. Hence we start to breathe more rapidly and our heart rate increases. Poorly oxygenated blood contributes to anxiety and fatigue, and makes stressors harder to cope with.

Research completed by people like Dr. Herbert Benson has confirmed that deep, relaxing breathing can not only relax you it can have healing benefits on your body.

Here is a quick test for you: Place one hand on your belly and one on your chest. Now take three normal breaths. What do you notice? When you breath in your belly should be extending, followed by your chest. To practice this reaction, keep your hands lightly in place and practice taking deep breaths and holding for three seconds on the inhale. With practice you will be able to easily create this relaxation response at any time.