Spending a few minutes each day practising slow, controlled breathing is a perfect example of something that is simple, quick, and completely life-changing; it can transform your mood and your health, and bring a quiet joy to your day.

That’s because just by changing how quickly and deeply you breathe, you can achieve amazing things: you can slow your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, reduce stress levels and combat anxiety.

There is also evidence that changing the way you breathe can reduce pain. 

Try these breathing techniques: 

4:6 breathe in for a count of four and out for a count of six

4–2–4 breathe in for a count of four, hold for two, then breathe out for a count of four

3–4–5 breathe in for a count of three, hold for four, then breathe out for a count of five.