I used to be a gold-medal brooder. Minor frustrations would often lead to full-on, day-long meltdowns. I eventually came to realize that my moods were holding me hostage. I was losing hours, sometimes days, sweating the small stuff. Now, when I feel my frustration getting out of hand, I stop whatever I am doing and take five deep breaths. Focused breathing forces me to pause. It slows my heart rate, relaxes my facial muscles and clears my mind. The best part is, I can do it wherever I am – at my desk, in a long line, in a meeting. For me, the benefits are similar to stretching. Deep breathing loosens my mind and builds resilience over time.