Is focusing on something absolutely necessary?

Hello everyone. Sorry if this is a stupid question. I am new to meditating. For the last 2 months i have been practising mindfulness meditation. I am focusing / trying be aware of my breath,as advised. My problem is that, when i am trying to observe my breath, i start breathing manually. I realised that when i don't try to focus on my breath and just sit down with my mind cleared and not focusing on anything, i feel a lot better and relaxed. But without a focal point,is it still mindfulness? Is this a wrong or inbeneficial way of meditating?