We all breathe, all of the time, so it is understandable that we take this for granted. But actually, the quality of our breathing can have a massive effect on our health - both externally and internally.

The most noticeable pattern of breathing is that when we let ourselves get anxious or stressed about an issue, our breathing quickens and becomes shallow. In extreme cases, this can lead to panic attacks and hyperventilation. When you hyperventilate, amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide we have gets out of balance and you will feel light headed and maybe pass out.

Being able to control your breathing and bring it back to a more relaxed state is a real skill. Shallow breathing is when all the breathing takes part in the top part of your chest. Do this for too long and you will knotted up and tight in your chest.

One of the best tips I have seen for controlling this breathing is this:

Place one hand flat on your chest.
Place one hand flat on your abdomen.
As you breathe, observe the movement of your hands.

Are both hands moving? If only the hand on your chest, then you are most likely shallow breathing. As you take your next deep breath, concentrate on making the hand on the abdomen be the one that rises up.

As you take a deep breath in, breath out slowly, gently blowing the air between your barely opened lips.

A very useful resource for those seeking to get more relaxed through better breathing is "The Breathing Book" by Donna Farhi. The author - a well respected yoga teacher - details the importance of better breathing and explains why not all breathing is the same. There's lots of exercises which are clearly laid out and easy to follow. This book is definitely recommended.