Breathe when Stressed

When stressed, you may have some troubles concentrating or even sleeping. If you’re in an exam, or at work, you can always take a minute to breathe to reduce your stress without anyone knowing what you are doing.

Steps

 * 1) Know the symptoms of being stressed. They are:[[Image:Breathe when Stressed Step 1.jpg|center]]
 * 2) *If you get a headache while arguing or thinking about things.
 * 3) *If you have a hard time going to sleep because you have many things on your mind.
 * 4) *If you are in school, or having a test/exam, and you can’t concentrate.
 * 5) Sit or lie down, your choice. If you are at school, work, or any other public place, stay in your current position or whatever comfortable position that won't draw attention.[[Image:Breathe when Stressed Step 2.jpg|center]]
 * 6) Inhale slowly and say to yourself “I am...”[[Image:Breathe when Stressed Step 3.jpg|center]]
 * 7) Exhale slowly and say to yourself “relaxed.”[[Image:Breathe when Stressed Step 4.jpg|center]]

Optional Method

 * 1) Exhale deeply, contracting your stomach.[[Image:Breathe when Stressed Step 5.jpg|center]]
 * 2) Inhale slowly as you expand your abdomen, then your chest, and finally raise your shoulders towards your ears.[[Image:Breathe when Stressed Step 6.jpg|center]]
 * 3) Hold for a few seconds.[[Image:Breathe when Stressed Step 7.jpg|center]]
 * 4) Exhale by releasing your shoulders, relaxing chest and contracting your stomach.[[Image:Breathe when Stressed Step 8.jpg|center]]
 * 5) Repeat as desired.[[Image:Breathe when Stressed Step 9.jpg|center]]

Tips

 * If this is your first time trying these exercises, you should start with the first step about 2-3 times and then move onto the second step.

Warnings

 * Hyperventilating (breathing in too deeply or too fast) is caused by stress and anxiety.
 * If these steps or other relaxation techniques don’t help, you may have severe stress and it is wise to see a doctor.
 * If you repeat these steps too many times, you may feel dizzy and feel like you are going to faint. This is when you may be hyperventilating.

Related wikiHows

 * Relieve Stress
 * Deal With Stress
 * Reduce Stress
 * Beat Examination Stress

Sources and Citations
Teen Health. (2004, November 24). Retrieved on June 3 2008
 * http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=243&np=293&id=2210
 * Wikipedia. ( 2006, August 10). Retrieved on June 3 2008
 * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperventilation