How often do we breathe? 

The average is 15–20 times each minute—a breath every 3–4 seconds.  

The art of relaxation can begin with a practised art of slower breathing, consciously using your diaphragm muscle (the muscle at the base of your lungs). Make the following a daily habit:

• Sit up straight with your shoulders back and deliberately take a deep, slow breath making sure the air gets right down and completely fills your expanding lungs.
• Hold for a couple of seconds then breathe out slowly.   

When you do this three times in a row, you can feel your body and mind switching to OFF—your blood pressure eases and your pulse slows down.  

The physiological and psychological benefits are yours. Aim to do this three times each hour.