19 March 2012

52-Week Challenge: Week Twelve

Sorry, this is coming super late.  We have houseguests for week, and I am behind on my blogging; this will be a quick post.

This week's challenge is entitled "Take A Deep Breath."  Once a day, dedicate five to ten minutes to breathing deeply.  Deep breathing accesses your diaphram in addition to your lungs.  Using these muscles sends a message to your brain to relax, which then transmits this message to your entire body, decreasing heart rate, slowing breathing, and reducing blood pressure.  It is one of the quickest ways relax, even in the midst of chaos.

While breathing is one of the most natural things in the world, this challenge is all about being deliberate during your deep breathing sessions.  Sit or stand up straight and take a deep breath through your nose, exhaling through your mouth.

To save time, I would recommend pairing your deep breathing with your daily stretches.  The combination of the two is a great way to relax and de-stress.

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