The amount of uncertainty, lack of social connection, fear, and sadness is coming at us faster and with more force than ever before.
Unquestionably these create #STRESS. In our bodies and in our minds.
Stress limits our ability to think clearly, and even to do what is necessary to “take one day at a time.”
One way to fight back is to #BREATHE.
When our bodies are under stress, we often hold our breath or resort to shallow breathing.
Anyone who ever took a yoga class can remember the instructor say, “Don’t forget to breathe.”
Try this simple test. Take two fingers of one hand and pinch your index fingernail of the other side. Hard. For ten seconds.
Did you notice that you stopped breathing for those moments?
And in those moments, you deprived your brain of oxygen.
Here is the challenge I have given myself. Hopefully, it will help you as well.
For at least one-minute an hour, stop and breathe. Breathe deeply and purposefully for 60 seconds. I like to do a 4X4 breathing technique. Just breathe in through your nose for 4 counts. Then exhale deeply through your mouth for 4 counts. Repeat. And again. For just one minute.
You will calm yourself and rebalance your brain.
And be better prepared for the next 59 minutes.
#HeathlyAtHome #WFH #StressRelief #MentalHealth