Count how many breaths you take in a minute. If it's more than 16, you are a shallow breather and could be depriving yourself of oxygen and reducing you energy levels. Slow down and you'll become more resistant to stress.
Longer, slower breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering heart rate and blood pressure, which means you are naturally more calm.
Bowen Technique practitioner Caroline Kremer (carolinekremer.com) has created Just Breathe, a technique to get you into the slow breathing habit. Take a normal breath, but when you exhale, make a 'sss' sound and keep going until your lungs are empty - when you feel like stopping, try to keep the 'sss' going a little lomger. You'll then automatically take a deep breath in. Repeat 10 times. Do it in the morning to feel energised all day.
Item in Good Housekeeping September 2014.
