Liz Thompson
Ok, so you were probably expecting a new product or spa technique, right? Well, please do not be disappointed. Just hear me out.
You may have read or heard someone speak on the mind/body connection – the belief that our thoughts govern everything from our digestion to our overall health. This may sound hokey or New Age-y to some of you, but it is really very simple. Stay grounded, manage stress, and you will stay healthier. And, of course, if you are healthy your skin rewards you by looking great.
Now, I am not a doctor and am not suggesting that if you are ill should sit around doing deep breathing over taking the actions your doctor has suggested. This is about prevention and having the “faith” that it will work for YOU.
If you are still with me, let’s delve just a bit deeper. Staying grounded and reducing stress may sound like a terrific idea. But how, in this crazy-busy, fast-paced world do we accomplish this? Monica Bloom of HeyMonicaB! suggests simply tuning in to the moment. Monica is an Ayurvedic and believes that by taking time to look around and realize that you are ok right now takes away any negative feelings. The best way to be in the moment? Breathe!
Monica offers a variety of ways to breathe to increase peace and calm. And this really works.
Lately, my lifestyle has changed big time. I have taken on more work, the new school year has ramped up the activities and expectations, and several personal things (although good things) have really put a strain on my time. Usually this leads to a migraine. But this time I decided to replace my usual increase in caffeine and sugar (to help me get by on fewer hours of sleep and a crazy schedule) with breathing. Deep, steady breathing. Sure, I forget and get tense and irritable. But guess what? No headache. This is a huge breakthrough. And, added bonus, my skin looks great. No dark circles or lifeless pallor. This is probably because deep breathing also helps you get to sleep at night, and sleep soundly.
Truly, you can only get through what is right in front of you. So, why not focus on that one thing, and put everything else off until their moment comes. It’s working for me right now, and I plan to keep using this tactic. One breath at a time.
How do you deal with stress? Any breathing practices of your own? Please share…
Image: PernilleH at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.
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