* BREATHING EXERCISE *

I thought I would start a thread about something that I feel quite passionate about.
Breathing Exercises to me, are the number 1 way to help keep myself grounded and try and prevent anxiety and stress from increasing in strength.
For me, I found that once I started to practice this exercise twice a day, everyday, that it increased my ability to think and to focus on areas of my mental health.
So ... I'd like to write down the steps I use to do this exercise. And I hope it is of benefit to others.

Set aside 5 minutes in the morning.
Find a quiet comfortable place to sit or lie down.
Draw the blinds. Turn off the lights. Turn off all electronics (including mobile phone).
Close your eyes. You are safe here.
Take a deep breath in. Fill up your lungs.
Exhale fully.
Take a deep breath in. Fill up your lungs.
Exhale fully.
Take a deep breath in. Fill up your lungs.
Exhale fully.
Now focus on your breath.
Breath normally. Slow steady breaths.
In... and ... out.
Focus only on your breath.
If thoughts come to mind - don't worry - that is normal. When you notice a thought, simply go back to focusing on your breathing.
Breathe in.
Breath out.
(repeat)
Feel the breath as you breathe in. Can you feel it entering your nostrils? Can you feel it go down your windpipe and into your lungs?
Feel the breath as you breathe out. Can you feel the air leave your lungs as you exhale? Can you feel it pass back out through your nostrils?
Breathe in ... Breathe out.
Only focusing on the breath.

I hope this is a help. Please let me know how you find doing this exercise.

Good Mental Health to us all.