BOSTON -- Whether you are processing the unsettling news of the day and world events, dealing with an unusually stressful period of your life, or just living life, it's important that from time to time, you stop, take a deep breath, and learn some relaxation techniques.

These exercises don't have to be difficult or even take a long time, but done regularly they can relax your muscles, slow your respiration rate and calm you internally and externally.

Try one of the following sometime during the day, or when you go to bed at night, and see if you don't begin to feel a little more relaxed and better able to handle the stresses of life.

Get comfortable and focus on your breathing, trying to slow it down. Place your hand on your lower abdomen and inhale deeply in to your abdomen so that your hand moves. Focus first on slowing your exhalation and then the inhalation. Try inhaling 3 to 5 counts, then exhaling for 3 to 5 counts (try to build up to 10 counts in and 10 counts out). Feel the rhythm of this, as well as how the focus on your breath takes you away from other thoughts. This can be done in a seated or in a supine (lying down) position. Closing your eyes may help you visualize the flow of air in and out. Repeat this several times first for 1 minute and then a bit longer as you feel comfortable.

Close your eyes and try the following full body tension releaser. Think of tightening and then totally releasing each muscle group from the tips of your toes to the top of your head. Example: tighten or squeeze your toes, hold, release, relax or wiggle them, next, point your toes to tighten your calf muscles, hold, and then release, just letting the muscle relax. Work your way all the way up your body. Don't forget your face (jaw and mouth)!

Take a "time out" and put on some relaxing, soft music. Lie down, or sit down and just let yourself drift in and out of the rhythm, conscious of your breathing or just feeling the beat of the music.

Don't forget that even a minute or two during the day or in the evening can make a big difference in helping you find a more peaceful you.