So if we perform these exercises, how can we benefit, practically speaking, during hard times?You may still experience a period of being thrown off balance, but you will be able to get through it more quickly, without becoming derailed. This kind of work, meditation especially, makes that possible: One of the primary benefits of meditation is it helps you find that calm center from which you can view the rest of your life without getting caught up in it.You also advance the notion that stress is actually a good thing. Why?A stress-free life is a fantasy. Stress is not only inevitable but also useful. It keeps us in motion, keeps us changing. Obviously, if there is some external cause of stress that you can eliminate, you should, but it’s much more important to learn techniques to protect your body and mind from the harmful effects of stress.What else can we do to sustain this kind of inner peace?Spend time with people who have the qualities you want to emulate. We resonate with other people, so if you’re around calm people, you become more calm yourself. There’s a growing body of research that suggests contentment is contagious, as is depression.We’d like to know: What makes you content right now?I spend hours every day in my garden, and I can see the results of it: It provides beauty; it gives me food; there is physical activity involved; I’m outdoors. That makes me happy. BREATHE EASYWe’ve all been told to “take a deep breath.” Andrew Weil, MD, recommends we take that one step further with this exercise: “4-7-8 breath.” “Doing this daily will induce a feeling of serenity,” says Dr. Weil. “Over time, it’ll give you greater emotional resilience—especially in hard moments.“1. Rest the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, behind your top teeth.2. Exhale completely through your mouth, with your lips slightly pursed, to make a whoosh sound.3. Close your mouth and inhale deeply and slowly through your nose to a silent count of 4. 4. Keep your mouth closed and gently retain your breath for a silent count of 7.5. Exhale slowly through your open mouth for a count of 8, making the same whoosh sound.6. Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5 for a total of four breaths. Perform this twice daily for optimal results. More from Prevention: The Happy Way To Be A Bit More Productive At Work