Low temperatures and high textbook prices can be quite a shock to students returning from winter vacation for their first few weeks of the new semester. Relax. Take a breath. The State News is here to help you cope. Gabriele Kende, instructor at Center for Yoga, Movement & Massage, 1780 E. Grand River Ave., and retired nutrition instructor for the MSU College of Nursing, provided these instructions on how to perform a simple breathing exercise. More complex forms of yoga breathing, or pranayama, can be learned with the assistance of an instructor.
Step 1
Sit comfortably in a chair with a straight spine. Observe and become aware of your natural breathing.
Step 2
Lengthen both your inhale and your exhale. Individual duration times will vary.
Step 3
Even out the lengths of your inhales and your exhales. Consider establishing a count to measure the breaths. For example, breathe in for a count of four seconds and then breathe out for a count of four seconds.
Step 4
Now increase the length of your exhale so that it is longer than your inhale. The previously established count can be used again. For example, breathe in for a count of four, and breathe out for a count of six. Avoid having an inhale that is longer than your exhale.
Step 5
Enjoy the relaxation.
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