We often hear coaches and instructors tell us to breathe. But what’s most helpful is to remind them to exhale.

They, even I sometimes, say:

“Breathe.”

“Relax.”

Better would be:

“Don’t hold your breath.”

Best is:

“Exhale.”

It’s literal and direct. It’s exactly what they need to do, and they don’t need to think about it. They just have to follow the instruction.