In this article I want to discuss the importance of correct breathing techniques and how they can assist people suffering from Anxiety. The majority, if not all sufferers of Anxiety are not fully aware of their bad breathing habits. It's common place for them to take very shallow breaths, by only expanding their chests, as if they were panting. This can in turn bring on a heightened sense of not being able to breath, or choking and lead to panic attacks. To try to correct this, think about the diaphragm which separates your chest and stomach. To breath more regularly, you need to expand your diaphragm down into your stomach when you breath in. Your chest should only be expanding by a small amount. Think about your breathing and try to keep your concentration focused on your diaphragm expanding downwards as you breath in and pushing your belly outwards. To help you stay focused on your breathing technique, try timing yourself for one minute with a watch or clock that has a second hand. Count how many times you breath in over a one minute period. Ideally, an adult should take between 10 to 14 breaths per minute. If you recorded more than this on your first attempt, time yourself again. This time, concentrate on your breathing and remember to expand your diaphragm downwards into your stomach as you breath in. Try to regulate your breaths per minute to the 10 to 14 range. When you master this technique, you will find that you are able to control the onset of panic attacks by regulating your breathing. Another helpful technique you may wish to try, is measuring how much you are actually expanding your diaphragm as you breath. To do this, either sit with your back very straight and upright in a chair, or lay down on the floor flat on your back. Place your hands just below your rib cage at the very top of your stomach. Have your hands positioned so that your two longest fingers on each hand are just touching each others tips. Now begin to take deep breaths from your diaphragm area. As you breath in, your finger tips that were touching each other should move apart. Then as you breath out your finger tips should touch again. It's very easy to forget about how you should be breathing and begin to fall back into shallow breathing cycles. If you find yourself in a situation which is causing you discomfort, try to remember these breathing techniques and regulate your breaths per minute. You can practice these techniques anywhere at any time of the day. As always, If you are suffering from an emotional or mental illness, please seek the help of your doctor immediately. Again, I would like to say to people suffering from emotional problems that your life is worth living and with time and assistance, you can recover. Best wishes to you. Good luck with your health.

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