Relaxing is becoming a dying art. We feed ourselves, drink beer, exercise, take showers and pop pills, all in the effort to relax. The first two can lead to dangerous addictions - if we seek comfort there - as can the last one. Some exercise junkies suffer injuries and worn parts if they constantly take it over the limit. And people who take lots of showers - well, we won’t go there!

A non-invasive exercise to instantly relax is something we do naturally but rarely build on its virtues: breathing. From India we have learned yoga exercises, meditation and a vegetarian diet and from that country we have to learn a practice that even bablies do. But in Indian Buddhist philosophy, breath is sacred and is called “Prahna.”

For those of us who want to skip philosophy get to the nuts-and-bolts here is a simple breathing exercise that works and can be done almost anywhere. It is a 7-7-7-7 breathing system - and it works:

1) Inhale for a count of 7. (This can be as long or short a count as you want but it has to be equal for all stages. This energizes the system)

2) Hold for 7 (In this process, the metabolism slows down and and the body chemistry takes over to absorb nutrients and get rid of waste.

3) Exhale for 7: (Expels impurities and waste)

4) Hold for 7 (Body rests for the next round)

Do this 6 more times. At the end of it, based on my results, you will be energized.

Now, anytime you feel stressed, take a few minutes and breathe. It beats counting to ten.