Breathing Exercise: Breath Counting

Using proper breathing techniques can reduce stress significantly. A relatively easy introduction to breath work is with a simple exercise of breath counting. Try it to feel re-energized and relaxed. Go gently, slowly, and intentionally into this exercise.

· Sit in a comfortable position with the spine straight. You can do this is a chair, on a pillow, or the floor. Any place is fine so long as you’re comfortable and not spending too much energy sitting up straight.
· Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Let the breath come naturally, without forcing it or trying to breathe too deeply. Ideally the breath will be quiet and slow.
· After a few breaths, begin to count your exhales. One on the first exhalation, then two, three, four, five.
· Then begin a new cycle, never getting up past the number five. If you find yourself on a higher number, you know your attention has wandered.
· Maintain this breath counting for five to ten minutes.

What’s the point? Intentional breathing calms your nervous system and gives you a focus for your thought. Having this one point of concentration serves to ‘empty’ your mind of other thoughts. Can you imagine a relaxed brain?

Won’t you share your experience? Try this simple exercise and let us know how it worked.