finding a relaxation response in my belly

• when i got sick earlier this month, i had to find a way to relax my mind and my body when the headaches and the dizziness got too intense...
• one of the things i discovered was that i could relax my mind and my body by extending my breath exhalation by about 2-3 seconds...i was able to accomplish this by noticing when the breath exhalation was about to finish, and then use my diaphragm to push more air out of my lungs...
• since last wednesday, i have been intentionally practicing this new breathing technique while i am at my desk and at random times throughout the day...
• when i do this, i notice i am able to become more aware of my thoughts and feelings, especially if i am getting stuck on a particular thought or a particular feeling...the increased awareness of getting stuck and then remembering to breathe with the extended exhalation has been helpful in getting 'unstuck'...
• this breathing technique has been extremely helpful in reducing the amount of anxiety i experience, including when i have a trade open...
• i plan on practicing this breathing technique more and more during the course of the trading day and when i am away from my desk...
• this technique has definitely helped me relax...while it's not the relaxation response per se developed by herbert benson, it has helped me reduce my level of anxiety in both my professional and personal life...