HEALTH

It's the time of year where are we *all* beginning again. The start of the new year comes with a new semester, new challenging classes and what feels like a ball of stress that's been chasing us since December started. Luckily, there's a secret to managing all these crazy feeling naturally—and no, drowing yourself in coffee isn't it.

The secret? Just breathing. But not just regular breathing, mindful deep breathing.

Below, a collection the most relaxing deep-breathing exercises the Internet has to offer. Sit back, relax and get to breathing!

1. Breathe the anxiety away

Try this step-by-step vid to get you breathing deeply and stressing less, ASAP.

2. Here's your chance to do...nothing at all

We're all busy people. Whether you play sports or you're in the drama club (or both), it can feel like you are *always* running around from responsibility to responsibility. The antidote to all the cray? Take a moment and do absolutely nothing, and just breath deeply.

3. Incorporate yoga

This is the ultimate study break. Take these yoga breathing exercises and combine them with some basic poses to open your lungs and mellow out. You'll heart the results!

4. Try this if you're in a time crunch

We know what you're thinking, "I can't sit still for three minutes and just do nothing." Well, that's what most people think before they practice meditation. Try this out in baby steps: start with 30 seconds, a minute, 90 seconds, etc. and slowly work your way up to 3 minutes. Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't nail it the first time, either. It takes concentration and practice. 

5. If all else fails, try meditating

Maybe deep breathing alone isn't enough to calm you down. If that's the case it may be time for you to try out this vid. It takes things back to basics and will completely center you. 

How do you handle stress? Tell us your fave methods in the comments below!

Photo credit: GIPHY, Getty Images / martin-dm

by Logan Potter | 1/19/2019