Harnessing the power of your breath by being present and focused can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and make you feel calmer. (PHOTO: Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Harnessing the power of your breath by being present and focused can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and make you feel calmer. (PHOTO: Gallo Images/Getty Images)

It's so automatic that it’s easy to forget how important it is.

You breathe in and out about 22 000 times a day, mostly without giving it a second thought. Every four to eight seconds air is pulled into your lungs, oxygen is removed from it and carbon dioxide is released when you breathe out.

It seems so simple, but it affects every part of your body. It’s how your organs and tissue get the life-sustaining oxygen it needs – which is exactly why doing it with focus and intention is so beneficial.

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