Wellness Now: Your Oasis during Challenging Times
I've got a wicked bad case of the hazy, lazy, crazy days of mid-summer so I decided to recycle a Wellness Now newsletter from April 2017. Fortunately, when it comes to our mental, emotional and physical health, the message still applies: Remember to breathe (more important than ever during these "unusual" times).

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"Did you remember to breathe today?" is, of course, a trick question. Happily, you're breathing without me constantly reminding you to inhale/exhale/repeat. The real question is: “Did you remember to breathe deeply today?”

The breath, it is said, is the pulse of the mind. When we are tense, our breathing becomes shallow...or we may hold the breath without realizing it. This increases anxiety, heart rate and blood pressure. Deliberately taking slow, deep breaths has the positive effect of decreasing anxiety and lessening physical symptoms of stress.

Full, deep breathing is essential for our physical, mental and emotional well being. It's the all-purpose wellness tool – it calms you down when you’re tense, and boosts you up when your energy tank dips. Your breath is always accessible and doesn’t require any special equipment ... just remember to B - R - E - A - T - H - E (deeply)! 
May you be well,
Olivia (aka, Ohm)
Relaxation Coach, Workshop Facilitator & Author
The Importance of the Breath
As you breathe, so you live.
May your breath be full and long.
The in-breath opens you to life's fullness; inhale and silently repeat, " inhalation = inspiration ." Feel inspired with each incoming breath! The out-breath allows you to really let go; exhale and silently repeat, " exhalation = relaxation ." Try to make your exhalation a little longer than your inhalation. 

Enjoy this simple breathing exercise below anytime, anywhere!
FIVE DEEP BREATHS

Deep breathing balances your energy, allowing you to stay centered and calm…no matter what is swirling around you.

  • Take a moment to check in. How are you feeling – mentally, physically, emotionally?
  • Become aware of your breath.
  • When you're ready, inhale slowly through the nose, taking in fresh oxygen and filling your lungs. Breathe in joy.
  • Hold the breath in for a moment.
  • Exhale slowly, squeezing all the stale air from your lungs. Breathe out tension.
  • Hold the breath out for a moment.
  • Repeat for 4 more deep, slow, long breaths.

Remember to enjoy 5 deep breaths - as needed - throughout your day.

Click here for more information about the importance of the breath.
Breathe in, breathe out, Romeo. What a good boy!
"...all i have to do is breathe." ~ Sanobe Khan