Breathing and Relaxing
You don't have to live in a stressed-out state. Breathing exercises can help you de-stress and unwind, both physically and mentally. Yoga aids in the relearning of relaxation, which is the natural condition that your body and mind seek for.
Books have been written on the subject of yoga breathing. This is a five-minute breather. (Before attempting the drill, read the instructions multiple times.)
1. As much as possible, sit with your back straight. If you must use a chair, don't slouch on it. Knees exactly over the middle of your feet while keeping your feet level on the floor. If your feet are uncomfortable on the ground, place a book or pillow under them. Your hands are resting atop your legs.
2. Close your eyes gently and let them rest behind closed lids.
3. Think about your ribs, at the front, back, and at the sides of your body. Your lungs are behind those ribs.
4. Feel your lungs filling up, your ribs expanding out and up. Feel your lungs emptying, your ribs coming back down and in. Don't push the breath.
5. The first few times you do this, do it for 2 to 3 minutes, then do it for up to 5 to 10 minutes. At first, set aside a time at least once a day to do this. When you learn how good it makes you feel, you'll want to do it at other times as well.
Just as one stressful situation goes into your next challenge, relaxing for a few minutes every day gradually carries over into the rest of your daily life and activities.