[Bill]

Here's one to try...
Max forced exhale, 75% inhale, relaxed exhale and full inhale (diaphragm, chest, shoulders and head) or pack instead of the shoulders and head. If you pack a little slow with big mouthfulls, there is a calming affect that carries over into the hold. Even if you only pack to the same level that you could achieve with the shoulder and head movement, it seemed to give me an extra 10-15 seconds. It probably takes less energy and allows you to get fully relaxed a little sooner. I recommend anyone starting out to make a few packs to establish a rhythm, even if they don't put air in the lungs.