Thich Nhat Hahn explains a simple breathing activity in his book, Peace Is Every Step to help you become more conscious of your breathing and the benefits it has on your life. The activity is condensed within four simple sentences:

1. Breathing in I calm my Body

2. Breathing out I smile

3. Dwelling in the Present Moment

4. I know this is a wonderful moment

Use lines 1 and 3 when breathing in and 2 and 4 when breathing out. If other thoughts or feelings enter your consciousness accept this and get back to reciting the lines while you breathe. Practice these lines throughout your day especially when you anticipate being in a stressful situation or if you are currently stressed.

Portions of the above information were taken from Coping with Stress in a Changing World by Richard Blonna (The McGraw-Hill, 2007)