Simple Breathing Exercise
Hey…got a minute?
For today’s Energy Shot I invite you to try this simple breathing exercise
4-7-8 breathing.
And seriously, I timed myself and it only took me 55 seconds
to do the whole thing!
We all know the benefits of deep breathing…
for our body:
deep breathing calms anxiety
it releases stress
it slows the heartbeat
it lowers blood pressure
it helps keep the immune system strong
for our mind:
deep breathing connects mind and heart
it brings us back to center
it helps us feel grounded
it quiets our mind
it allows us to disengage from distracting thoughts
it brings clarity and calm
So I hope you’ll take a minute and try this out:
Sitting down with your back straight
place one hand on your belly
and the other on your chest
Your belly should push your hand out when you inhale
and your belly should go in as you exhale.
This is a healthy way to breathe as it is from the diaphragm,
the way a baby’s belly naturally expands as he/she inhales.
Place the tip of your tongue on your upper palate,
on the ridge right behind your two front teeth, and
try to keep it there throughout this exercise.
Next exhale with an open mouth to let all the air out.
Now you’re all set up and ready to begin.
The next part is easy, it goes like this:
inhale quietly through your nose for a count of four
hold the breath for a count of seven
and exhale strongly to the count of eight making a
whooshing sound, and pushing out as much air as
possible for the last 3-4 counts. Pursing your lips helps,
because remember you are still holding the tip of tongue
on roof of your mouth.
Repeat three more times for a total of four breath cycles.
Dr. Andrew Weil (renown holistic health expert)
who prescribes this for his clients says to do this at least
twice a day, but never more than four breath cycles at a time.
He says doing this consistently over time can
Lower heart rate and blood pressure
Improve digestion
Eliminate insomnia
Relieve anxiety
and calls it a “natural tranquilizer for the nervous system”
WOW!
It’s simple, quick & easy to do, and can make powerful changes.
Don’t you just love how our bodies respond to simple, natural
methods so effortlessly?
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~ Only time offered in 2019 ~