There have been hundreds of books, songs and articles written about conscious breathing. Conscious breathing is focus on your breath. That which you focus on grows. So if you practice and focus on your breath, you have the ability to come to a place where you can consciously control your breathing. This means going to your very essence of life, your breath, and focusing on slowing down and deepening this breath.

Deep breathing is a proven method of achieving complete relaxation. It is an ancient method used by yoga masters, hypnotherapists, and many healers. We slow down our breathing because slow, deep, rhythmic breathing triggers the relaxation response in our bodies. This is the opposite of the "fight or flight" response which triggers adrenaline. This kind of breathing reduces our heart rate, increases the blood flow and relaxes muscles. This deep breathing promotes health. The more you do it, the better you feel and the better you feel, the more you'll do it.

Did you know anxiety actually comes from within? It comes from your own thoughts, not external forces. You first have a thought which you focus on. And, of course, that which you focus on grows. So the thought then grows into a feedback loop and you feed yourself growing thoughts of doom to keep the loop going. Your body starts to tense up, your heart beats faster and you become short of breath. Your "fight or flight" response kicks in and the symptoms may escalate. Within three minutes you could be in the midst of a full-blown panic attack. What if you said to yourself--JUST BREATHE!

Next time you feel the effects of stress, anxiety, or pain, take a deep breath and exhale very slowly. Put the thumb and forefinger of your right hand together, and stop the chatter in your mind for just a minute. Focus on your breath.

Take another deep breath, exhaling very slowly, and move your thumb to your middle finger. Imagine all of your muscles going loose, limp and relaxed.

Take one more deep breath, exhale even slower this time and move your thumb to your ring finger. Feel your whole body relaxing and imagine you are floating to the most beautiful place you have ever seen, breathing fresh air. It could be a beach, a garden, a mountain path. It really doesn't matter. Just, for a moment focus on your breathing. You can slow your heart rate, begin to feel more balanced, and clear headed.

Taking three deep breaths is your first step to a more peaceful mind. JUST BREATHE! This is also, your first step to self-hypnosis. Self-hypnosis is change from within. Everyone has confusion in their lives. Every mind deserves some quiet time. Your breath can lead you to quiet time in your own wonderful head. Stop the self-chatter, take some deep breaths and improve your life.

R. KAY HOCKING is a Dr of Clinical Hypnotherapy, Success Coach, Author & Speaker. Visit her site www.hypnosis4yourhealth.com or at 714.777.3956.