Rapid, shallow breathing is often referred to as tachypnea, which occurs when you take more breaths than usual in a given minute. This is usually defined as more than 20 breaths per minute in an adult. Conscious, controlled breathing exercises can help! Try this: 1.Sit comfortably or lay down place one hand on your stomach in one hand on your chest. 2. Breath in slowly through the nose and feel your stomach expand as you inhale the hand on your chest should move 3. Slowly excel through your mout