Beth and I have probably been reminded to breathe about 12,000 times in yoga classes. Now sometimes we finally can mostly keep breathing during class. Off the mat I often catch myself holding my breath.

Noticing that you aren't breathing is the first step. The second step? Breathing!

But if you think breathing is just breathing, you aren't paying close enough attention. According to some who apparently pay quite close attention, there are at least 11 different kinds of breath!

Check out Science of Breath - A Practical Guide by Swami Rama, a great book with a hysterical floating nose on the cover.

Meanwhile, here are a couple of simple begnning breath exercises that will calm your anxiety, lower your blood pressure and oxygenate your whole system.

1) Try to make your inhale and exhale the same length. A count of 3, 5, 12, whatever suits your lung capacity.

I often notice that I stop breathing when I can still take in (or expel) more air. Don't be stingy. Breathe it all out.

2) Add a pause at the top and bottom of your breath. Make these pauses the same length, althought they don't have to be the same length as your inhale and exhale. So: in for 8 counts, hold for 4 counts, out for 8 counts, hold for 4 counts.

If you can do that for any extended period of time congratulations: you're a yogi!

Next: dividing your breath into thirds!

Or, for all you type-A free spirits, try some of that crazy kundalini.