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Are you having a Calgon-take-me-away day? A bubble bath may not fit into your schedule, but you could visit the beach. Don't have the time? Live in Nebraska? No problem.

To get started on your vacation, Noll Daniel, senior yoga instructor at the Yoga Zone in New York City, recommends a yoga breathing technique. "Ujjayi breathing calms the nervous system, alleviates muscle tension and quiets the mind," he says.

When you combine deep breathing with visualization, your body will begin to elicit a relaxation response. Eliciting this response consistently can decrease blood pressure and anxiety, heighten immunity, relieve menstrual and menopause symptoms, help infertility and boost energy. A 10-minute period of concentrated breathing and visualization is the goal of this exercise, but you can shorten your beach time if that's too long for you.

To begin your beach escape, sit comfortably at your desk and close your eyes. Open your mouth and keep it relaxed (don't purse your lips). Inhale as slowly as possible until you can't breathe in any more. If you keep your throat narrow while inhaling, you'll be able to fill your lungs to capacity (you'll also sound a little like Darth Vader). As you exhale, continue to keep your throat narrow.

Once you feel at ease breathing deeply, it's time to visit your favorite beach. With your eyes still closed, focus your inner vision on the "third eye" area in the center of your forehead. Imagine lying on the beach. Hear the surf and the seagulls. Feel the sun on your body and the sand between your toes. Breathe in the ocean air. And keep breathing. Take some time to enjoy your beach escape and you'll feel brand new when you return to your desk.