Relaxation and meditation can seem daunting for many. But this exercise I discovered makes it as easy as pie. Very basic, simple. Now give it a try.

1. 
   

   Sit

   
   

   Find a comfortable place to sit. Sit with you back straight and feet on the floor. Be comfortable, but alert.



2. 
   

   Close your eyes

   
   

   Just relax. Close your eyes. Let everything fall away.



3. 
   

   Breathe in

   
   

   Breathe in through your nose. Feel the breath fill your body.



4. 
   

   Breathe out

   
   

   Exhale through your nose. Feel your body collapse. Breathe out fully.



5. 
   

   Repeat

   
   

   Continue breathing. After each time your breath in and out, say (or think) the word "One". Continue for 20 minutes. You can change the word to anything meaningful for you.



6. 
   

   Practice daily

   
   

   Repeat this everyday. Have a set time to do it. Don't worry about setting an alarm, just have a clock nearby that you can see. If you start drifting in thought, gently return to your breathing.



7. 
   

   Mini-relaxations

   
   

   During your day, stop a few times and 'do a mini'. Just breath in and out for about a minute. This will relax you and begin to teach your body how to respond to stress in a calm way.

Source: How To Relax By Mark Stibich, Ph.D., About.com Guide