TAKE A DEEP BREATH: DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING
Dr. Sylvain Baert, a French psychology professor, explains the fundamental element of all relaxation exercises: breathing.
"Many people are chest breathers; when they inhale, their chest rises and their belly contracts. Instead of taking long, deep breaths with the diaphragm, they breathe superficially and discontinuously. However, deep breathing is very beneficial; it gives you a real sense of calm and awakens your mind. Diaphragmatic or abdominal breathing stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system*, which sends a relaxation signal to your body. It is an important technique to learn."