There have been studies that have shown that music does help relieve tension and anxiety. It lowers blood pressure, relaxes muscles and can help with depression.

Is it the music or is it the emotions that it stirs that makes it so relaxing to hear a favorite song? It is probably both. And it doesn’t have to be sounds of music that can soothe you, it can also be recordings of nature sounds that puts you in a mood, almost hypnotic, where the days problems can be forgotten or at least be better understood.

You don’t have to stay at home in your easy chair, combining a good walk with great tunes can lift your spirit and refresh you like few things can. Especially if the music has a quick beat that you can keep pace with.

Music therapy can also be used in conjunction with deep breathing exercises, where you on a sound of nature tape and breath. You will definitely reach a relaxed state that you will look forward to returning to in the future.

The function of breathing is to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide from the body. This process happens automatically. The oxygen is delivered into the Respiratory system where it eventually goes through the bronchial tubes which lead into the lungs. Small sacs called alveoli pass the oxygen to the capillaries which in turn send the blood to the heart. The diaphragm does the work of pumping out the carbon dioxide and bringing in the oxygen.

Since oxygen is vital to the system, without this process the body would die. When the body is feeling stressful breathing becomes shallow and forced. This results in lightheadedness, panic, increased heart rate and headaches among other things.

 By doing breathing exercises stress can be managed and breathing related side effects can be relieved.

Deep breathing techniques can be done in a matter of a few minutes or longer.

• In order to have complete concentration, find a place that is quiet where you won’t be disturbed.
• Sit in a relaxed position.
• Clear your mind of all things that are troubling you (I know that is difficult but with practice this can be achieved)
• Slowly Exhale first through your mouth
• Slowly Inhale through your nose holding the breathe for a few seconds
• Repeat these steps for a few minutes

Some people when they are beginning these breathing exercises put a hand on their stomach to ensure that are exhaling through the stomach. Try it and see if it works for you.

While you are breathing and exhaling keep your mind clear.

In order for deep breathing to work it must be done a few times on a daily basis. Increasing the amount of time spent on each session while increase the effectiveness of the exercise.