Want to Calm Down? Breathe!
August 2009
Eliminating distractions always helps us be more focused and productive. When it comes to our mind, sometimes it can be a distraction. It worries, thinks there's not enough time and ruminates over all the things to get done. Every hour or two, take a break, clear your mind and make way for new ideas. Take a walk, do some stretching or try meditating/breathing.
Here is Dr. Andrew Weil's favorite breathing technique, the 4-7-8 method.
- Sit up straight
- Place the tip of your tongue up against the back of your front teeth. Keep it there through the entire breathing process
- Breathe in silently through your nose to the count of four.
- Hold your breath to the count of seven
- Exhale through your mouth to the count of eight, making an audible "woosh" sound
- That completes one full breath. Repeat the cycle another three times, for a total of four breaths
- You can do this frequently throughout the day, but it's recommended you limit to four full breaths during the first month of practice. Later you may work your way up to eight full breath cycles at a time. This technique is one of Dr. Weil's top suggestions to reduce chronic illness.
Food for Thought:
- "Discipline is something you must develop within yourself so you can become the best person you can be, not the one who could have been." - Timothy F. Hough
- If you were more deliberate about taking breaks, and practiced breathing or meditating, how might your life improve?
Contact Andrea to see how coaching can help balance the busyness of your life and create time to cultivate healthy habits. See how others have made Coaching work for them. Call to schedule a complimentary 30-minute sample coaching session. (847) 971-3643 or email: andrea@hgcoaching.com
