Breathing more slowly, gently and deeply helps to calm and relax and can also reduce tension and anxiety and improve concentration and memory. Shallow and fast breathing can contribute to anxiety, muscular tension, panic attacks, headaches, and fatigue. By practicing slow, deep breathing, your mind will calm down and your body will relax. Diaphragmatic, or, abdominal breathing is one of the easiest ways to produce the relaxation response. Practice 10 or more minutes to learn the proper technique for deep relaxation. helping to reduce muscle tension and anxiety. Throughout the day, frequently take a few slow, deep breaths or do a couple minutes of diaphragmatic breathing, especially when feeling stressed.
This amusing clip starring Elmo and Colbie Caillat teaches kids early on the importance and technique of breathing deeply as a stress management tool. This is a technique that works for all ages!
On a more serious note, here is a breathing meditation where you can apply this belly breathing technique to relax and de-stress yourself.
