RELAXATION TECHNIQUES- DEEP BREATHING

It's natural to take long, deep breaths, when relaxed. However, during the fight-or-flight response, breathing becomes rapid and shallow. Deep breathing reverses that, and sends messages to the brain to begin calming the body. Practice will make your body respond more efficiently to deep breathing in the future. BREATHE in slowly. Count in your head and make sure the inward breath lasts at least 5 seconds. Pay attention to the feeling of the air filling your lungs. Hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds(again, keep count). You don't want to feel uncomfortable, but it should last quite a bit longer than an ordinary breath. Breath out very slowly for 5 to 10 seconds(count!). Pretend like you're breathing through a straw to slow yourself down. Try using a real straw to practice. Repeat the breathing process until you feel calm.