Keeping stress levels down nowadays is becoming harder and harder. We work more than ever and are just as busy, if not busier, at home. Add in a busy holiday season and things can get a little tense. However, performing breathing exercises can be a great way to keep stress to a minimum, are simple to perform, and can be done virtually anywhere, anytime.

Simply sit or stand in a relaxed position while slowly inhaling through your nose, counting to five. Be sure to let your abdomen expand outward like sticking your stomach out rather than sucking up and raising your shoulders. This allows your diaphragm to better fill your lungs with air. Now let the air our through your mouth while counting to eight. This can be repeated several times to quickly relieve tension or over several minutes as a type of meditation.

Try to set aside time each day to relax and relieve stress for long term health. It does not have to be complicated, just regular.