Deep Breathing: Relax Without Smoking

Deep Breathing
Relax Without Smoking

Even before you quit you can use deep breathing to help you relax without cigarettes. Taking a deep breath can help you control the urge to smoke or the tenseness after quitting. Here are three ways to act on that old saying, "Take a deep breath and count to ten."

Take a breather One minute vacation More than a minute

1. Take a deep, slow breath through your nose. Hold it for a few seconds. 1. Close your eyes. When you have more time, combine a deep breath with:

2. Exhale slowly, through your mouth, letting all of the air out of your lungs. 2. Take a deep, slow breath through your nose. As you inhale, picture yourself in a favorite, restful spot. 1. Relaxing music.

3. Feel your neck and shoulder muscles relax. 3. Exhale slowly through your mouth, holding that scene in your mind. 2. A bath or shower.

4. Repeat these three steps several times. 4. Enjoy the pleasure of that scene. 3. A rest in the shade.

5. Open your eyes and feel refreshed.

Take a breather	One minute vacation	More than a minute
1. Take a deep, slow breath through your nose. Hold it for a few seconds.	1. Close your eyes.	When you have more time, combine a deep breath with:
2. Exhale slowly, through your mouth, letting all of the air out of your lungs.	2. Take a deep, slow breath through your nose. As you inhale, picture yourself in a favorite, restful spot.	1. Relaxing music.
3. Feel your neck and shoulder muscles relax.	3. Exhale slowly through your mouth, holding that scene in your mind.	2. A bath or shower.
4. Repeat these three steps several times.	4. Enjoy the pleasure of that scene.	3. A rest in the shade.
	5. Open your eyes and feel refreshed.