You don’t have to live in a stressful environment. Instead of stressing your mind and body, you may utilize the breath to calm them. Yoga teaches you how to reclaim the natural state of calm that your body and mind want. 

Deep breathing is relaxing and energetic at the same time. The energy you get from a few minutes of mindful breathing is calm and steady, which we all need. Your neurological system receives a message that your slow, steady, and quiet breathing is calm. 

Yoga breathing has spawned a plethora of literature. Here’s a 5-minute Mindful Breathing Break to get you started. Before you try the practice, make sure you read the directions thoroughly. 

1. Sit as straight as you can with your spine. If you need to, sit in a chair, but don’t sag—knees precisely over the center of your feet with feet flat on the floor. If your feet aren’t comfortable on the floor, place a book or a pillow under them. The tops of your legs are covered with your hands.

2. Gently close your eyes and allow them to rest behind closed lids.

3. Consider your ribs, which may be found in the front, back, and sides of your body. Behind those ribs lie your lungs.

4. Feel your lungs swelling up, your ribs stretching out and up. Feel your lungs emptying and your ribs returning to their original position. Don’t force your breath.

5. Do it for 2 to 3 minutes the first few times, then up to 5 to 10 minutes the next time. Set aside time to do this at least once a day at the start. You’ll want to do it at other times after you’ve discovered how fantastic it makes you feel.

Relaxing for a few minutes each day eventually transfers over into the rest of your daily life and activities, just as one stressful scenario leads to the next.