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How To Use Deep Breathing Exercises

By Barbara Bradley Bolen, Ph.D., About.com

Updated October 10, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Photo © A.D.A.M.
Of all of the available relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises are the ones that you can do any time, any place. Deep breathing exercises are a simple way for you to calm your body and turn off your body's response to stress.

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 10 minutes
Here's How:
  1. Find your diaphragm: Place one hand on your abdomen, palm to stomach, with your pinky above your belly button. The muscles of your diaphragm will be under the palm of your hand.

  2. Place your other hand on your chest.

  3. Inhale slowly as you count to three.

  4. Think the word “Relax” as you exhale to the count of three.

  5. Keep your top hand as still as possible, relaxing the muscles in your chest and shoulders.

  6. Focus on the action of your diaphragm. Your bottom hand should move outward as you fill your lungs with air and move inward as you exhale.

Tips:
  1. Tip: Thinking the word “relax” as you exhale, turns the word into a cue, prompting your brain to induce a state of relaxation throughout your body.
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