Breathing / Relaxation Exercises
Exercise No. 1
● Inhale deeply through your nose. Try to take the air all the way
down to your stomach. Expand your stomach so that you fill your
lungs completely.
● Exhale slowly through your mouth. Try to completely empty your
lungs and stomach. As you exhale, your stomach should contract.
● Relax, then repeat.
Exercise No. 2
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Inhale slowly through your nose to the count of 3.
Hold your breath to the count of 3.
Exhale through your nose to the count of 3.
Repeat this pattern for several minutes.
You may find that using a count of 4 or 5 may be best for you.
Exercise No. 3
● Lie down, get comfortable, and close your eyes.
● Think about your body. Imagine that you are transparent and filled
to the top of your head with orange drink (or one of your favorite
beverages). The liquid represent tension in your body.
● Imagine the liquid beginning to drain out through your finger tips
and your toes. The level will begin to drop, from the top of your
head, past your eyes, nose, etc. Feel the tension draining with it.
Watch the level oft he liquid drop. As it drains out of your body, do
does the tension. Let the liquid drain down past your neck,
shoulders, torso, thighs, knees, legs, right out of the bottom of
your toes.
● Lie there and enjoy the feeling of total relaxation.
Compiled by Dr. Richard Carr