Breathing is something most people take for granted. However, most of us do not realize that when we are under stress we tend to hold our breath or take short, shallow breaths. Because oxygen is the most important nutrient for the heart, brain and every other major organ of the body, limiting our intake can have far reaching effects on the body. Therefore, breathing exercises can be very helpful for reducing stress, relaxing and rejuvenating the body as well as the mind. It is a major component of yoga, meditation, Lamaze and other mind–body wellness techniques.

For each of the following breathing exercises, taking a “deep breath” means breathing in air through the nose to fill the lower part of the lungs, then the middle part and then the upper part. “Releasing” a breath means exhaling all of the stale air from the lungs through the mouth before taking in another fresh breath. If you can find a private place to do these exercises, it can also help to make a deep “whoosh” sound as you exhale.