Breathing is the best way to Relax

Coming up to your exams it is very normal that you may feel pressure. Most people say: "Just relax and breathe" What they don't tell you is how to do that, or why you should do it.

Let's start with the "Why" .

Thousands of years ago the Yogis made a scientific study of the brain. They found out one exciting fact: The slower you breathe, the more your mind slows down.

If you observe yourself when you get stressed, your mind starts racing. It hops from one thought to the other until you feel overwhelmed. Your mind speeds up and suddenly you are stressed. This can be slowed within a few minutes and you instantly feel calmer.

Here comes the HOW!

Focus on your in-breath and your out-breath. Normally you breathe out for far longer than you breathe in - try it and see! Count both your breaths. If you breathe in for 4, you will normally breathe out for 8.

We are going to change this:

Focus on your in-breath.

If you inhale for 4, exhale for 4 too.

This will mean at the start that you will have to force your breath out a bit, but don't worry.

Do this 12 times.

Don't worry if after a while you start breathing in for 5 or more that just means you are relaxing. Stick to the same rule:

Inhale for 6(or whatever time feels comfortable) Exhale for 6.

When you are finished you will feel much calmer . Easy peasy - now you can calm yourself!