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Deep Breathing

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Here are a few good deep breathing techniques. They don’t take much time, but the oxygen they deliver to the body works wonders.

Breathe Deep

Close your eyes. Inhale deeply, feeling the air filling your belly, back and sides. Hold it. Exhale slowly and completely, pushing all the air out. Repeat 10 times, focusing on each breath, for full relaxation.

Belly Breaths

Sit down. Breathe in through your nose, deep into your belly – not your chest! Slowly exhale through your mouth, being sure to exhale right from the bottom of your belly. Try this 5 more times at your own pace. [Hint: It can help to place one hand on your belly and the other on your chest so you can feel your belly (not your chest) expanding and emptying with each breath.]

Inhaling Relaxation and Exhaling Stress

Close your eyes, and take 5-10 deep breaths, being sure to inhale deeply, and exhale slowly and completely. On each breath, imagine that you are breathing in calm, relaxing air, and breathing out stress. After a few breaths, smile as you breathe in and breathe out. Keep smiling as you open your eyes.

Feeling some sadness, anger, anxiety and loneliness is normal – especially when quitting smoking. But feeling totally depressed is a sign to speak with a health professional. If you are feeling really depressed or stressed, you might consider talking to a health professional.