Breathing is very important; without air we would die. The less oxygen we bring into our lungs the more susceptible we are to disease and stress. Breathing deeply and/or stress relief breathing, is really the cure for stress and anxiety, but few of us know how to do it correctly.

Stress relief breathing or “Power breathing” is diaphragmatic breathing. Your diaphragm is a flat, parachute-shaped muscle at the bottom of your lungs. As you inhale, your diaphragm contracts, drawing air into your lungs.

People tend to breathe using their chest, which is more difficult and less efficient. When you breathe with your chest, you fill your middle and upper lungs, but not the blood and oxygen rich lower lobes.
If you’re feeling stressed, try this “power breathing” technique:

1. Close your eyes.
2. Inhale through your nose and hold. That’s right; hold your breath for a few seconds. Silently count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
3. When you breathe through your nose, you might feel like you’re not getting enough air. It feels weird because it’s new and different. Remember that “power breathing” activates the parasympathetic nervous system– enabling you to be more calm, relaxed and focused.
4. Slowly exhale through your mouth. What you’re doing is a “power breath.” Repeat your power breath 5 to 10 times as many times as you need it throughout the day. I do it 3-5 times a day; once in the morning when I wake up, in the afternoon, and right before bed.

This simple exercise will instantly lower your heart rate. By slowing your breathing, you switch your focus and stop thinking about things that trouble you. If only for a few seconds, you focus on quieting your mind and body. You’re giving your mind and body a “power break” that instantly reduces your stress level and allows you to relax.

Practice the power breath, especially when stress strikes. Remember to quiet your mind and body. If you have a hard time quieting your mind, just go with it and over time you will become more experienced at controlling your thoughts.

Power breathing is a remarkable technique for instantly calming yourself down so you’re relaxed and in-control of your emotions. Remember you can use your “power breath” anytime, anyplace.  Here it is summed up for you once again:

• Inhale through your nose
• Hold the air for a few seconds
• Exhale slowly through your mouth

Perhaps you can practice “power breathing” in the car, when you’re stuck in traffic. Or at night, before you go to sleep, as a way to unwind. The more you practice, the easier this type of breathing will become. I hope this helps and I know it will all you need to do is apply it.

I encourage you to let go of all disappointment, frustration and anger, as you boldly pursue your dreams. May happiness, energy and bliss flow through you today.

Related posts:

1. 12 Tips for Stress Relief
2. How to Get Rid of Stress and Anxiety
3. 5 Techniques To Reduce Stress

Here are a dozen helpful tips for stress relief.

1. Stress Relief Tip #1 – Yoga, and Tai-Chi are great forms of stress relief.  People have been using them for centuries in Asia and India to combat tension in the body.  The physical techniques loosen up the muscles in the body and help focus the mind into relaxing thoughts.
2. Stress Relief Tip #2 – Meditation is one of the simplest and best ways to relax.  It’s easy to learn and has many benefits. Taking as little as a few minutes per day (though 15-20 is preferable) can go a long way toward relieving stress symptoms.  To meditate simply go to a quiet place in the house, turn off all distractions and focus on your breathing.  Let your thoughts and stress drift in and out.
3. Stress Relief Tip #3 – Deep breathing exercises is a powerful way to get your stress symptoms under control.  And lessening the symptoms is often a good first step toward curing the longer term problem.  Try this: lie face down on the floor on a large towel, elbows bent with your hands flat on the floor.  The backs of your hands should be under your chest.  Now breath deeply, three or four times.
4. Stress Relief Tip #4 – Remove negative things from your life.  Are there people that continually stress you out?  Resolve your issues with them or remove them completely out of your life.  The last thing you need in your life are more stressors.
5. Stress Relief Tip #5- Some supplements, such as 5-HTP or Rhodiola can be helpful as part of a well-rounded program of stress relief.  Figure out which ones work best with you and stick with them. Click here to learn more about 5-HTP and Click here to learn more about the supplement rhodiola
6. Stress Relief Tip #6 – Set a serene mood in your home or working environment with aromatherapy. Aromatherapy often combined with ‘mood music’ does actually work in a lot of cases. Smelling pleasant smells rather than harsh environmental toxins will do wonders for your system.
7. Stress Relief Tip #7 – Soothing and relaxing music is another great way to relieve stress.  Music easily shifts our mood and can alter our feelings almost instantly.  Listening to the right kind of music will definitely help you relax tremendously. We recommend Brain Sync.
8. Stress Relief Tip #8 – A good massage particularly in conjunction with relaxing music, can be utilized with a larger program of stress relief.  One of the most common effects of stress is severe muscle tension – particularly in the neck, shoulders and calves.  Massages will help to relax your tense muscles and your entire well being. They feel great and they’re good for you.
9. Stress Relief Tip #9 – Journaling. Sometimes we all just got to vent. Writing all your negative thoughts, feelings, and problems in a journal will help you to take a load off.
10. Stress Relief Tip #10 – Take Control. Are there problems in your life that are unresolved that are bothering you? Take control of these problems and find solutions for them. Do you hate your job? Start looking for a new one, or work for yourself. Do you feel trapped and hopeless? Find meaning in your life. There are lots of great self help materials out there. We recommend the website VisualizeMaterialize.com to help you manifest your desires and achieve your goals.
11. Stress Relief Tip #11 – Exercise. Maybe you have a lot of aggression in you and you need to find a healthy way to release it all. If that’s the case, you need exercise. Running is a great way to increase your endorphins (the feel good chemical in your brain) and burn off stress.
12. Stress Relief Tip #12 – Talk to a close and trusted friend. This can be a family member or someone that loves you and you trust. Sometimes we all just need an ear and a hug.

Related posts:

1. Stress Relief Breathing Techniques
2. Natural Adrenal Support – Tips for Treating Adrenal Fatigue