A quick way to slow your heartbeat

Many people with anxiety problems ask me how I slow my heartbeat down if I become anxious or overwhelmed. There are a number of very useful techniques that I've used over the years, and I'd like to share with you one of my favorite techniques.

It all starts with a deeeeep breath...

Inhale through your mouth and take the absolute biggest breath you can. Hold it. While holding your breath, squeeze every muscle throughout your body as hard as humanly possible. Feel your legs, arms, stomach, neck, facial and all other muscles tensed. Hold your breath and continue squeezing your muscles for 5-10 seconds, and then instantaneously relax every muscle and slowly exhale through your nose.

You will feel nearly all of the anxiety and tension leave your body with that breath. This will also help your heart rate to return to a much lower pace, and activate a state of relaxation within you.

Breath normally for the next 10 breaths, and then repeat the exercising, once again tensing every muscle while holding your breath for 5-10 seconds. Then slowly exhale and relax your muscles again.

Throughout the years I have found this technique to be extremely effective in helping me to relax when faced with a stressful situation. Give it a shot, and I'm sure it will help you out.

Cheers!

Steve P. - Author & Webmaster - A Life Less Anxious.com