Box breathing

Seventy-five percent of doctors' office visits are related to stress. This is a technique you can try when your stress level is high or when you're having trouble falling asleep.

• Exhale, start by emptying the lungs completely

• Inhale through your nose for a count of 5, focusing on filling your lungs and belly

• Hold your breath for a count of 5

• Exhale through your mouth or nose for a count of 5, letting all of the air out

• Hold your lungs empty for a count of 5

• Repeat this cycle for 5 minutes or until you feel calm and relaxed

• Check your pulse/blood pressure before and after this exercise

This works by breaking the cycle of shallow, fast breathing during times of stress, allowing oxygen to build slightly in the blood, which triggers a parasympathetic (relaxation) response. Also, if you feel tired a lot, it may be that you are not breathing deeply enough to supply enough oxygen. Relaxation is often not given much consideration in the fast-paced world we live in. But it is detrimental to our nervous system, health, and well-being.