Slow and Gentle Breathing

On the breathing, this is what I do:

I don't hold my breath; others may suggest this, but I'm just sharing how I do it.

• It's pretty simple; I just try to breathe in deeply, like I'm feeling it come from my tummy, not just those little shallow upper chest breaths. It does feel tight when I'm panicky.

• I'll breathe in, deeply as I can, but not so I get dizzy.

• During "in" breaths I'll often acknowledge my fear thoughts, like "I feel scared."

• As I breathe out, I'll finish that with "but I'm letting that go," with a feeling of letting go as the air leaves my body -- kind of like a taking in of what is, with a letting go of what I don't want.

If I do too many deep breaths too close together, it can bring on that feeling like when you're blowing up a balloon. So, just take it gentle and slow.