Breathing-method
The breathing exercises consisted of a specific sequence of deep breaths in, holds, and breaths out, performed in a cyclic manner. The participants were provided with guided audio instructions. Participants were instructed to sit or lay in a comfortable position and perform 30 to 40 conscious breaths, inhaling deeply into their abdomen and chest and then exhaling without effort. After the last exhalation, they were instructed to hold their breath as long as they felt comfortable, then inhale deeply and hold their breath for 10 to 15 s. Thereafter, they exhaled again and relaxed. This was repeated two to three times.