Dear friends of the out breath,

Conscious breathing is a good practice. With daily meditation, eventually a natural, slow rhythm is likely to arise.

We can also as an act of focus, breathe in and out consciously. Tension reduction is possible very easily as a reminder.

I was almost holding my breath, shallow breathing to such an extent, that my well being/health was stifled.

Learn diaphragm breathing!

https://www.thebreathingclass.com/media-index/want-better-health-learn-to-breathe-like-a-child-again