We are certainly living through trying times. As we face significant political decisions, war, threats to our environment, and watch the world's financial systems work through an extremely shaky period of uncertainty and confusion, many of us find ourselves in crisis mode. We're anxious, edgy, depressed, even angry - in other words, we're exhibiting all the classic signs of our deeply imbedded fight-or-flight response, which dictates that when we become angry or frustrated, our breathing often becomes fast and shallow, an ingrained and involuntary response.

At the same time, our bodies are releasing several powerful chemicals including cortisol and noradrenalin to prepare us for battle or escape. In the past these habits were necessary for survival and these chemicals serve us very well when the best response is to fight or flee, but when that is not the case, these chemicals can be toxic.

Anxiety, depression and anger are powerful emotions with which we all must at some point deal. Emotions play a big role in our success or failure as humans. Like it or not, our emotions rub off on family, friends and coworkers, and those generated under duress have a dramatic effect on our bodies' ability to perform.

Ask yourself: Do you control your emotions, or do they control you?

These 5 important yet easy-to-implement steps will empower you and help you to take control of your emotions in many crisis situations and help you manage your anger, anxiety or a crisis. And Pressure Breathing (below) can take you even further toward combating anxiety, panic attacks, or unsettled times.

1. Practice deep breathing regularly to develop an innate sense of your early warning signs and avoid angry situations when possible.
2. Delay taking action or saying anything while you are angry. Give yourself a chance to cool down.
3. Find an outlet for the adrenaline and tension that may be coursing through your body. Walking and stretching work well.
4. Use the Pressure Breathing technique which helps to calm emotions: Inhale for 4 counts, then exhale for 8 counts while pursing your lips and letting your cheeks puff out much like blowing up a balloon. This helps to activate your parasympathetic nervous system which helps to calm your emotions.
5. Take time to understand your feelings. Determine the best outcome for yourself and others involved and then identify the best course of action to achieve that outcome. Search for a creative solution.

For a running dialog of the latest in breathing ideas, techniques, success stories, and more, visit our Perfect Breath Blog . Get answers to your questions, share your experience and expertise with others, and stay abreast of the latest science, research, and technology. Here are the latest headlines:

• Meditating through mental illness
• Breathing and the Democratic Convention

Our new book, "Perfect Breathing: Transform Your Life One Breath At A Time" (Sterling Publishing, New York City), hits bookstores and online retailers January 6, 2009. It's a book that can change your life. In it, we illuminate a simple, dynamic pathway to limitless human potential based on not only some of the most contemporary scientific information ever compiled, but on centuries-old teachings and techniques. We share simple awareness tools, techniques, information and insight from influential people from all walks of life and professions who have harnessed the energy of the breath and who offer personal and inspirational experiences that give potent testimony to the influence conscious breathing can provide.

Pre-order your copy today at Barnes & Noble Online or at Amazon.com

Planning your next health fair? Looking to spice up a corporate retreat? Need a keynote speaker, guest lecturer or presenter?

Seasoned speaker, teacher and dynamic presenter Al Lee can custom-design a Perfect Breath program that will show you how to use your most powerful source of energy - your breath - to dramatically improve your health, performance, and emotional well-being. You can learn the same techniques that are used by competitive athletes, fighter pilots, mountain climbers, performers, and healing professionals of all kinds to elicit the most from their minds and bodies.

For Perfect Breathing Seminar bookings email Al Lee at: al@perfectbreathing.com and visit him at www.perfectbreathing.com

• Think On This: Meditation May Protect Your Brain (Miller-McCune)

• Uncovering How Horses Breathe and Move May Pave Way for Human Breathing Devices (Entertainment and Showbiz.com)

• Breathe Deep: Lose Weight (Beliefnet.com)

• Dot Your I's and Cross Your Knees (Common Ground Magazine)

• The Breath Of... "Long" Life? Breathing Exercise For Lower Blood Pressure And Longer Living (American Chronicle)

Thanks for being part of Perfect Breath. Stay tuned! If you have comments, questions or suggestions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,