Sandy Schell

Breathing… It’s something we all do, hopefully on a regular basis.

All kidding aside, there are 2 very simple ways that you can reduce your stress levels – right now – by breathing better for a minute or two.

Method #1 – Great while you’re at the office:

Put one hand on your stomach area, just under your ribcage, and one on your chest. Inhale deeply through your nose into your stomach, so that your tummy expands as you inhale. If you’re doing this correctly, the hand on your stomach should move much more in comparison to the hand on your chest as you inhale.

Once you get comfortable with this, then practice inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. As you get more comfortable, close your eyes as you continue inhaling through your nose, and exhaling through your mouth. See if you can exhale in twice the amount of time it took you to inhale.

Note that the breaths should be comfortable, yet you should be inhaling and exhaling more deeply than you normally do.

Doing this for even just 60 seconds will help remove toxins from your body, help your relaxation response kick in, and calm your heart rate. Incorporate this method during your breaks, and see how much more focused and calmer you feel, even during those hectic periods.

Method #2 – Great when you have a few minutes to yourself:

Known as the “cleansing sigh”. Begin by sitting comfortably, though with relatively good posture (no slouching). Inhale deeply, and then, as you exhale, let yourself sigh.

Repeat a total of 10 times, and as you get comfortable doing this, let your shoulders drop as you exhale. This method will also help you let go of pent up anger and frustration as well.

Spending 1-2 minutes a day doing some deeper breathing can help your body and mind serve you better.

I hope this is helpful, and would enjoy your feedback.

It’s coming up summer all over the place! The kids are out of school and it’s time for some fun and R&R. While many will be traveling to far-off parts, there are also a wide variety of inexpensive activities to get involved in and place to visit this summer.

From family picnics at a local park to a romantic weekend get-away to Siesta Key in Sarasota, everyone can find something to soothe and nurture your harried soul.

Here are some suggestions:

Pack a picnic, a blanket, a kite or frisbee, and go to an area park for the day. Just the 2 of you? Enjoy a nap or read a good book. Bringing the kids? Pack a soccer ball and a kite. Bring simple foods and lots of water too.
Take a drive to somewhere new. Bring some water and healthy snacks. Pile in the car and head off with only a general direction in mind. Go somewhere you’ve not been and when you get there, go exploring. Drive around. Browse the shops. Visit something unusual.
Enjoy a leisurely Sunday brunch at your favorite bistro, followed by music in the park. Bring some comfy chairs or a blanket, and let the day gently take you with it. (This is a great way to bond with your special someone after a hectic week.)
Up for something different? Go to an Arts & Crafts Show. Or go kayaking and pack a nice lunch to enjoy afterwards. Maybe bring a fishing pole and cast a line in the water.

I hope this is helpful, and would enjoy your feedback.