Exam season is upon us and this is a simple breathing technique which may help.  It is fine for anyone to practise and can help to slow the breathing and reduce feelings of anxiety.   This breath was taught to me on a British Wheel of Yoga (bwy.org.uk) First Aid course by a nurse who is also a yoga teacher, as an anti-anxiety breath.  I hope it helps you or someone you know.

1 Breathe in saying silently to yourself  'I am breathing in'  

2 Breathe out saying silently to yourself  'I am breathing out'

3 Before you breathe in again say silently to yourself  'one thousand, two thousand'

4 Repeat from 1

5 If for any reason this practice doesn't suit you, let it go and allow the breath to settle back into its natural rhythm.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me.

Why counting backwards from 27 can help you sleep...

It can't be a coincidence that when new students start my classes they often comment on what a good night's sleep they have after a class, even one in the daytime and even if they aren't usually good sleepers.   The effect is no doubt due to the combination of the relaxation/meditation in the class along with the asana (poses) and breathing practices (pranayama).  The latter could be a more complex practice such as alternate nostril breathing or something as simple as counting the breath, as follows:

Breathe in, saying silently to yourself: 'I am breathing in 27' Then, breathe out, saying silently to yourself: 'I am breathing out 27'

Count backwards in this way to zero i.e. 'I am breathing in 26' and 'I am breathing out 26'

If you lose track simply go back to 27.

If you get to zero, start again at 27.

This is great for relaxation or indeed if you need to get off to sleep.  Great for getting back to sleep if you wake up in the night.  Just try it next time you have trouble sleeping.  Sweet dreams...zzzzzzz