Simple breathing exercises can bring noticeable results and quickly reduce stress levels. Sit with your back against a chair, or sit on the floor with your back against a wall for optimal air flow. Breathe deeply and slowly from your abdomen. Hold your breath for a couple of seconds, then slowly exhale, pushing all of the air out. Breathe in and out in a rhythmic pattern, with the same amount of time between inhales and exhales. It should take as much time to breathe in as it does to breathe out. To make sure you are breathing from your abdomen instead of your lungs, place your hand on your stomach. Repeat this technique at least 10 times in a row, and practice it daily to be in a more relaxed state of mind. To get even more relaxation, try it while stretching to help loosen joints and muscles.
