Deep breathing is essential for health.  If you are breathing correctly – for five minutes, five times a day – your shoulders will stay relaxed as you inhale.  Your abdomen will swell on the inhale, and collapse on the exhale (using your diaphragm muscle).

If you find that you must set aside time to practice deep breathing, why not give the exercise a little more meaning? Spend your breathing time in prayers of thanksgiving and rejoicing.  Or, if there are concerns you need to pray about, using deep breathing exercises while praying is a good way to not only get the problem off your chest and into Divine hands, but will also physically relax you as you breathe.  Deep breathing will also clear your mind, allowing for emotional clarity.  Try listening to inspirational music during your breathing to help foster positive thoughts.