Here we start the process of controlled deep breathing. Gently slow down your breathing, but not too slow. Do not strain and do not hold your breath. The breath should flow continuously. Count to a metronome or in your head and mentally observe the duration of your inhalation and exhalation.
Continue deep breathing for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, return to normal breathing.
Now, to get a rough idea of how long to inhale and exhale for during controlled deep breathing, divide the exhalation duration by two. This can be your starting point for deep breathing inhalations. Initially, it will also be your exhalation duration starting point: we begin with an equal ratio for inhalations and exhalations and when we are comfortable with an equal ratio, we then extend the duration of the exhalation.