Simple Stress Relief: Just Breathe!


By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom 

We live in a pumped up, stressed out world. And while we often see recommendations for stress-relieving activities that take “only 20 minutes a day” (or longer) most of us just can’t make time to do this daily. 

I’m a glass-half-full person – all about what you can do, not what you don’t have time to do (good-bye perfect world!). Trying to fit in daily stress reduction often just creates more stress.

One of my favorite de-stressors takes just two minutes. It’s my version of deep breathing. While this doesn’t compare to a one-hour yoga class, it can give you a quick pick-me-up and a great sense of well being.

Stand up (if you have some privacy), or just stay seated at your desk. Sit up straight and take a very deep breath – slowly – in through your nose, filling your lungs, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat for a total of 10 times. The key is to do this slowly and to be mindful of the moment – think about your breathing in and out.

This is one baby step that definitely supports healthy living. Let me know if it works for you!

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