Several breathing exercises are presented, all focusing on breathing patterns and on imagining that healing is occurring with breathing. These can be practiced at any time, with your eyes open or shut, for a short or longer amount of time. You can do just one, or let one flow into the next. By focusing on your breathing, you can help your body relax, which often results in less pain. These exercises can also decrease the anxiety that often accompanies pain. When you’re instructed to breathe deeply, moderately deeply is fine, so you don’t hyperventilate.

Pointers:
Do any of the breathing exercises only as long as you’re comfortable. If you begin to feel lightheaded or tingly, simply return your breathing to normal, and shorten the number of deep breaths you take the next time you do the exercise.

Adding gentle, pleasant, natural smells to your environment while doing these breathing exercises is great. Fresh flowers, citrus, or other enjoyable smells can be used. Using any and all of your senses – sight, taste, hearing, touch and smell – can add to your relaxation experience. There are many avenues to your relaxation destination.

Breathing Exercise 1:
Simply pay attention to your breathing, without trying to change your breathing pattern. Notice how quickly or slowly you’re breathing.  Pause.

Notice how shallowly or deeply you’re breathing.  Pause.

Notice where your breath comes in to your body, and where it leaves your body.  Pause.

Now just continue to watch your breath.