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Breathe Easy


Take 10

Lie on your back flat on the floor, with one hand on your belly and one hand on your chest. Take a deep breath in—slowly. Lying on the floor at first when you practice is important, because if you stand up, you're more likely to fake a deep breath by doing an exaggerated chest extension, rather than letting it fill up naturally. Imagine your lungs filling up with air; it should take about five seconds to inhale. As your diaphragm pulls your chest cavity down, your belly button should move away from your spine as you fill with air. Your chest will also widen—and maybe rise ever so slightly—as you inhale. When your lungs feel full, exhale slowly—taking about seven seconds to let all the air out. Our recommendation—take 10 deep breaths in the morning, 10 at night, and as many as you need in between to help relieve stress.