When we are stressed, we often take shallow breaths, our hearts beat faster and our thoughts lose focus. Breathing deeply helps you shift gears to the point where you can slow down and think clearly about the next healthy action you can take. The next time you feel anxious, take control and take deep breaths; continue to inhale and exhale in long, slow rhythms.

Learn to calm yourself down by doing this breathing exercise. This exercise rapidly relaxes tense and anxious individuals.

1. Stand or sit with straight back, relaxed arms, and uncrossed legs.
2. Close your eyes.
3. Keep your mind empty. Stop thinking and seeing mental pictures.
4. Concentrate on your breathing. Keep a hand on your stomach; feel it rise and fall with each breath. Try to slow down your breathing.
5. Take a deep breath; feel your diaphragm expanding. Hold it for two seconds. As you slowly exhale, say to yourself, "Relax." Take another deep breath and again hold it for two seconds. This time, as you slowly exhale, say to yourself, "Relaxed and ready."
6. To finish your calming exercise, make sure your mind is calm and free of thoughts. Then take another deep breath from your diaphragm, hold it for two seconds, and exhale while saying, "Relax." And when ready, take a last deep breath from your diaphragm, hold it and exhale while repeating, "Relaxed and ready."