(((epiphany)))

Much Love to you!

Here's something that has always helped me calm down and focus -

Take a minute out, not long, just a minute or two will be enough, but more is always better. Try to be in a comfortable space to do this, but it isn't necessary. Where ever you are, sitting, standing, laying down, will be just fine.

Breath in.

Pay attention to breathing in. Feel it coming in through your nose, notice how your chest expands, pay attention to the incoming air.

Breath out.

Pay attention to breathing out. Feel the relaxation of the rib muscles, hear the air as it leaves your body, pay attention to the outgoing breath.

The idea here is not to stop thinking, like most people tend to believe, but instead to focus your thought on the breath.

Don't worry when you find yourself caught up in your thoughts, it will happen. Don't beat yourself up about it, just go back to focusing on your thoughts.

Don't worry when you find yourself so caught up in your thoughts that you have completely forgotten that you are supposed to be following your breath. It will happen. Don't beat yourself up about it, just go back to focusing on your thoughts.

This can be done at almost any time in almost any place - while having morning coffee, standing in a checkout line, in the shower, on the toilet, stuck in a traffic jam, waiting for the beer you just ordered (you are a college student! ), and, yes, most importantly, just before class, before writing essays, before taking exams...before anything that stresses you out.

Don't forget to do it more often when you are not in a stress situation, because it is the calm practice during peaceful times that enables the calm during the stressful times.

This practice has many physiological effects, including lowering the blood pressure, boosting the immune system, and balancing serotonin levels (very important for emotional control and stability!).

Even one breath will have effect, but for the best effect, try to do this at a regular time everyday, like when you first get up, for an extended period. The effect of this exercise is cumulative, so the more you practice, the better you will feel!

I hope you are helped by this!

Oh, yeah...If you don't want to go to sleep doing this I suggest you don't do it lying down! LOL!