Have you been enjoying our first of my
five TOP HEALTH TIPS? These tips are designed to help you feel your best between your Massage & Bodywork visits...and make your day more relaxed, too.
And now on to
Tip #2: Breathing
How often have you had someone tell you
"take a deep breath" or
"just breathe through it"?
Breathing is one of our most basic bodily functions...you draw your first breath of air at your birth and then continue, almost unconsciously, for the rest of your life. But are you getting the proper amount of oxygen?
Oxygen plays a vital role in the biochemical activity called "metabolism." Without oxygen, our cells die, our bodies stop making necessary enzymes to "burn" food, to repair cells, to make new cells, etc.
When we are stressed or busy, we often don't breathe as deeply as we need. When we are relaxed (like when we sleep), we breathe in deeply.
Dr. Andrew Weil (drweil.com) has 3 breathing exercises that I have found helpful. My favorite is the 4-7-8 or "Relaxation" Exercise:
1. Sit up straight (you can also close your eyes, too, if you want).
2. Close your mouth and inhale deeply (into your belly) to the mental count of
4.
3. Hold your breath to the mental count of
7.
4. Open your mouth and exhale - making a "WHOOSHING" sound - to the count of
8.
5. This is considered ONE complete breath. Now REPEAT the cycle THREE more times.
I know, easy, right? Do this to help you fall asleep at night or whenever you are having a bad day or have something stressful happen. Check out Dr. Weil's site, practice his recommended breathing exercises and let us know how they are helping you!
And if you'd like to try a more advanced deep breathing technique, try the "alternate nostril" breath. That's right, you hold one nostril closed as you breath in. Alternate sides until you finish your Dr. Weil's breathing technique. NOTE: Because of the large amount air intake through the open nostril, the inside of your open nostril may have a burning sensation or you may feel a little dizzy. It's normal and will clear up when you finish and return to your normal breathing pattern.
All you need is a little practice. You can practice these techniques one, two or more times per day...especially when you are feeling stressed. This act of conscious breathing can clear your mind so you can focus on difficult situations. Now, my message to you is...
We're reaching the middle of my
TOP 5 health tips. Stay tuned for next week's tip!
