If you are one of those people who easily maintain balance, inner peace and serenity, you can stop here. If your stress level is usually low ? today’s entry is not for you. Spend your time reading one of my other entries.

If you find yourself in daily situations where you are so engaged in your work and your “To Do” lists that your body is aching, your muscles are sore and your stress level is high at the end of the day ? please keep reading.

When we stressed out, our first physical reaction is that we stop breathing. We either hold our breath or we breathe shallowly instead. The result is the opposite of what we need: we become more stressed out. The best way to get out of this cycle is simply to BREATHE.

Are you too busy to breathe? You know it’s important but you don’t remember?

Set your alarm to remind you to breathe. How about every hour? When you hear the alarm ? stop doing whatever it is that you do, even if it is very important, stand up and stretch, step away from your desk, and take 5 deep breaths. If possible, bring your hands up when inhaling and bring them down while exhaling. It will only take 2-3 minutes ? but your brain will become so clear and focused that you will do a better job when you get back to work.

Give it a try. Even for one day. How did it go?