do it to a count of four-sixteen-eight: breathing in for four counts, holding the breath for sixteen, and breathing out for eight. but this has to be done very gradually. some people do an eight-thirty-two-sixteen count, but this is for the experts.
another technique you can try is alternate breathing. this is done by pressing the right nostril closed with the thumb and taking in a long breath through the left nostril. as you breathe in, repeat god's name once. then hold your breath for four counts repeating god's name four times. and finally release your right nostril, press your left nostril closed with your fourth finger and release your breath 