Stress Breathing TechniquesOne of the most valuable stress reduction techniques to begin practicing is stress breathing techniques. This is your first step to releasing built up stress. We rarely use the full functioning capabilities of our lungs. We tend to take shallow breaths; this breathing only utilizes the uppermost areas of the lungs. There is a 2 minute stress relief exercise at the bottom of this page that will give you step by step directions and a standard visualization to work with as you practice breathing relaxation. When our blood vessels are narrow, less oxygen enters our cells. With practice, deep breathing will allow us to open the vessels and increase this oxygen flow. This is why breathing relaxation needs to be a priority in stress reduction. When you are experiencing
symptoms of stress
one of the first warning signs that you may notice is that your breaths remain shallow but come more rapidly.
and gain control
After you actually practice breathing relaxation techniques for a few days, you'll become more aware of the way that you breathe and therefore recognize when stress is sneaking up on you. You can then be prepared to quickly counteract the attack by reverting to your stress breathing techniques. You will see the most favorable results by inhaling slowly and deeply through the nose while you count off to three, following this with a slow exhale. Notice the rise and fall of your stomach as you breathe deeply. This method allows for the full oxygenation of your body, as you attempt to fill your entire lungs with air. 
As you might observe a willow tree gently blowing in the breeze back and forth, easy and steady, relaxing and tranquil – this is your breathing in and out, slow and soothing.
As we take in deep breaths, we exercise our lungs, building them toward optimum performance. The lungs become more proficient at the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen. This stress breathing technique may seem easy, but the results are effective and necessary to activate the stress-release mechanisms.
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