The following relaxation techniques can help relieve the tension and anxiety that often accompanies respiratory difficulties. This anxiety can even make you feel worse. By learning to relax your mind and body, you will feel better, and you will decrease the amount of oxygen that your body needs.

• To begin, lay down on a comfortable surface and place pillows under your head and knees. If you are more comfortable on your side, use pillows under your head and between your knees.
• Relax
• Lie quietly in a comfortable position. Take a slow deep breath through your nose. Hold the breath for several seconds, purse your lips, and slowly exhale. Relax.
• Take another deep, slow breath through your nose. Hold your breath and pull your toes towards your head and tighten your leg muscles (no longer than a count to 3). Feel the tension. Purse your lips, exhale slowly and relax your legs. Relax.
• Take another deep slow breath through your nose. Hold your breath and tighten your arm muscles. Feel the tension. Purse your lips, exhale slowly and relax your arms and hands. Relax.
• Take another slow, deep breath through your nose. Hold your breath and bite down as hard as you can and tighten your jaw muscles. Feel the tension. Purse your lips, exhale slowly and relax your jaws. Relax.
• Take another slow deep breath through your nose. Hold your breath and lift up your head and tighten your neck muscles. Feel the tension. Purse your lips, exhale slowly, let your head rest back on the pillow, and relax your neck muscles.
• Lay still and enjoy the relaxed feeling you’re experiencing. Do this relaxation technique several times a day.  You can even do it while sitting in a chair.