Part of relaxation is quieting the mind and eyes closed is part of it. Try it without closing your eyes, not sure if you will get the full benefit but it is worth a try to start, maybe you can progress to closing your eyes as you get comfortable.
Get comfortable.
As you breathe in, imagine the air is filled with peace and calm. As you breathe out imagine the air is filled with all your stress and tension. Recite in your mind a calming phrase when breathing in, "I am breathing in calm and peace", recite as you breathe out, "I am breathing out my stress and tension". Or simply, "Calm and Peace", "Stress and Tension".
Breathe in through your nose. Let your belly fill with air. Take deep breaths.
Breathe out through your nose.
Place one hand on your belly. Place the other hand on your chest.
As you breathe in, feel your belly rise. As you breathe out, feel your belly lower. The hand on your belly should move more than the one that's on your chest.
Take three more full, deep breaths. Breathe fully into your belly as it rises and falls with your breath.
Do this for 10 or 15 minutes if you can. Take deep breaths anytime you can during the day and recite your mantras. "Calm and Peace", "Stress and Tension".
After awhile, simply taking a deep breathe will help calm you.
As for meditation, you can meditate anywhere. Sit at a table, fold your hands in front of you and focus on your breathing (do your exercises if you want as a start) and a point far away. Let your mind clear and quiet down. Picture a blank wall. Let the world go fuzzy in your focus. Do not close your eyes at first, try it with them open. By fuzzy focus, I mean that focus you get sometimes when you aren't really focused on an object and your vision gets a little blurry.
Deep breathing is also good when you drink tea. Start a ritual. Have a cup of really nice smelling tea. I use Breathe Right by Yogi Teas. Inhale the aroma. Exhale the stress. Take a sip and let the peace and calm wash over you as the warm tea fills your belly.
Treat yourself well, you deserve it, you are important and good and deserve to breathe well. Breathing is the essence of life.
Be well.
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