Take a breather

Ahhh...

Often it’s thevery situations inwhichwe mostwant to be calm and relaxed that incite nervousness.This breathing method canwork as an antidote by promoting feelings of tranquility and repose. Begin by sitting down or lying on your backwithyour eyes closed.Turnyour palms up so they face the ceiling. Let out a long, slow breath, like a big sigh.Then begin breathing in slowly. Count to four on the inhale.Asyou inhale, drawyour fingers intoyour palms to form soft fists. Do the opposite on the exhale: Breathe out to a count of four asyou slowly unfold your fingers. Repeat this several times. Movingyour fingers givesyou something to do to refocusyour anxious energy, and breathing evenly, in and out, relaxesyour system. Doing these two things together helps reintegrate your body, breath, and mind soyou feel composed and are ready to meetwhatever is ahead.

—CYNDI LEE, cyndilee.com