Tip of the week:

Obviously, we all know how to breathe, but are we doing it right? When we get stressed we tend to breathe very shallow. Small short breaths that really aren’t doing our brain and heart any good. Instead, when we feel stressed we should be doing just the opposite. So before your next class presentation, debate or exam— think about your breathing. There is a very simple formula that everyone can do.

Sit straight with both feet flat on the floor. Close your eyes and breathe in through your nose for the count of 4 (literally count in your head 1234) then release the air through your mouth for the count of 8. Repeat 3 to 5 times, open your eyes and surprisingly you’ll feel more calm and ready for the task ahead. If the anxiety continues, you can repeat these breathing exercises during the debate, exam or task at hand. If you can’t close your eyes that’s okay. Still, breathe in for 4 through your nose and out your mouth for 8.  It works every time.