This exercise is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Consult with a medical professional if you believe you have a medical condition.

You will need a home blood pressure monitor or you may ask your nurse or doctor for help.

• Before you begin, take a reading of your blood pressure.

• Using the diaphragm, inhale slowly and deeply through your nose for about nine-seconds or until comfortably full. If you feel pain, you're going too fast or too harshly.

• Gently hold the breath for approximately two seconds at the natural pause that occurs after filling your lungs.

• Slowly exhale through the teeth and slightly opened lips for about nine seconds or until comfortably empty.

• Repeat this sequence for three to five minutes.

• Now, take a second reading of your blood pressure.

Did your blood pressure decrease? Breathing properly is usually part of meditation. This alone has measurable effects on the body. Articles below offer a small selection of other effects meditation has on our bodies. Please conduct your own research as well.