"Change Your Breathing, Change Your Life." It sounds like an old Indian proverb, probably originating with a master yogi, right? Actually, it is just good advice for anyone, especially if you are trying to quit smoking. Stress is a common smoking trigger and when we are under stress our breathing becomes restricted, so we must to make a conscious effort to breath more.

My mother, a former smoker, continues to remind me (so that I can remind Quit Tea users and blog readers) that when someone lights up a cigarette the immediate calming affect is that deep inhale with that first puff. Yes, there is an immediate rush of nicotine into the blood stream, but that same deep breath, without the smoke, would be also relaxing.

We all know there are better ways of dealing with the stress. One simple and effective way is focusing on our breath. Focusing on our breath helps reduce stress because we are forcing more oxygen into our lungs, physiologically helping our bodies manage stress, and changing our thoughts from what was bothering us before to calming rhythmic breaths.

In yoga we are taught to focus on our breath and bring your breath in line with your movements. Doing this helps bring our thoughts into the present, where we are in control; no past, no future. Yoga instructors also teach that meditation is the way of bringing your chakras in line and open up energy flow. Energy healing and chakras are huge subject all on their own and if you want to read more here is a link: www.chakraenergy.com/

This is difficult to understand, and for most people to even believe! But if you are a smoker here are some ways you can use the methods and teachings to bring your breath into your control and help quit smoking.

Notice restrictions on your breath, this is a sign that you are getting stressed. When you notice feeling short of breath find a quiet place and lie flat on your back or in a comfortable position sitting. Begin by closing your eyes and taking deep slow breaths. Focus on each breath. If other thoughts come into your head don't get upset just let it go and go back to focusing on each breath. Listen to them. Make sure they are long and slow, each inhale completely filling your lungs and each exhale taking just as long as the inhale. Next notice if your stomach is moving with each breath. To completely fill your lungs you must move your diaphragm, the muscle in the chest that fills your lungs. Continue until you are feeling relaxed again.

Changing your breathing will change your life because it will help you to regain control of your body in stressful situations, making you more energetic and productive.