There's a reason why many languages use the same word for "breath" and "spirit. It's because they recognize that the way we breathe determines how other things in our lives will go. If we don't breathe, we die, of course. But if we don't breathe properly, we deprive our bodies of many things we really need for good health.
Sitting up straight and allowing yourself to breathe deeply can help to oxygenate your body (not to mention improving your posture). Good oxygen content in the brain promotes clear thinking, and oxygen in the blood carries energy to every part of your body. So reminding yourself to take several long, slow, deep breaths from time to time during the day will go far in improving your energy and concentration levels.
But the very fact of slowing yourself down and adjusting one of your body's rhythms to that deep, gradual pace has other beneficial effects too. For example, a session of deep, gentle breathing can help lower your blood pressure. This will ease the effects of stress, and will lower the risk of other problems that can result from high blood pressure, such as strokes or stress on the kidneys.
You can practise deep breathing by lying on your back on a mat or towel, placing one h and on your abdomen and the other on your chest. Breathe in through your nose, deeply enough that your abdomen lifts. Exhale slowly and completely, through your mouth. Do this type of breathing several times each day, either lying down or sitting straight in your chair at work, home, or school.
Even something as simple as breathing can create a feeling of well being and improve your general mood. Start with proper breathing, and you have a good foundation to build on.
(For an interesting discussion on different breathing techniques and what they accomplish, you may be interested in thishttp://healthnfitnesstraining.blogspot.com/2010/12/breathing-techniques.html page.)
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