BLESS YOUR BODY!
JANUARY'S NEW HEALTHY HABIT:
JUST BREATHE!!!
In November, we started drinking our water. Take your weight in pounds (ugh, don't say it out loud!), divide by two. That's how many ounces of water you should be drinking each day. For me, it's 4 (20 oz) or 5 (16 oz)bottles a day. Nothing to it! (Stop right there! Don't you DARE do the math!!!) One with each meal, and a couple extra with snacks and before bed. Gulp it down and get hydrated!
December's habit was developing an awareness of our activity level. I must admit; it almost didn't cross my mind again after writing the essay! So, let's try to keep it in mind (maybe put a sticky note where you keep your water bottles; it could say: MOVE YOUR BODY!). Whatever your activity level, try to be aware and step it up just a little.
Now, January and the New Year. Just breathe (I never cared for the song, but it's stuck in my head now!). Sometimes I notice that I'm barely breathing. Since I never truly exert myself, I never breathe deeply. I once read that just three slow deep breaths (from the stomach, not the chest) in the morning before getting out of bed will wake you up and get you going. You'll fill your cells with a burst of oxygen and send a cleansing flow to your vital organs.
Make a note somewhere - the mirror, the fridge, the computer, in your desk drawer - to remind yourself to stop what you are doing and take at least three deep, cleansing breaths sometime during the day.
And, of course, there's stress. Oh, the stress. Breathing deeply and slowly as you count or meditate on a favorite quote or Bible verse will help you to cope when you are feeling overwhelmed. It's true; I know from experience. The trick is in remembering to stop and do it when the pressure is building. Anytime you get ready to yell, "Calgon, take me away" (or "Charlie Brown, I'm going to knock your block off!"), just be still, close your eyes, and breathe. You'll feel your mind, body, and spirit start to calm down. Then you can open your eyes, look around at all the blessings that are stressing you so, and deal with them in a ladylike manner. As opposed to becoming the Tasmanian devil, which is what I generally do! Just breathe.
In her search for better health, Robin has learned a method of deep breathing that seems to help. Again, when we can remember to do it! Using your stomach musckles (hahaha, Popeye! I had to leave the typo; I yam what I yam!)--I meant stomach muscles, inhale as you slowly count to four. Then hold your breath as you count four again, breathe out to a slow count of four, and finally, hold your exhaled breath for four counts, then repeat.
My respiratory function is so weak that I feel like I'm going to smother as I start this exercise, but after a couple of cycles, I feel my body slowly relaxing. This is excellent for bedtime. Just be sure to say your prayers first, because you will fall asleep as you do it. Actually, focusing on your breathing as you pray is a good idea - after all, who blesses us with life-giving oxygen? Remember to praise the Lord for the fact that you have fresh air to breathe and a body that is fearfully and wonderfully made!
So, JUST BREATHE: three deep breaths in the morning to get you out of bed; three more sometime during the day; however many it takes when you are about to shoot to the moon; and the four-count exercise when you go to sleep. If you need gimmicks, by all means, use them. Sticky notes everywhere! On your bedside table or in your slippers, on the bathroom mirror, in a drawer, on the microwave, the phone, the steering wheel, or on your kids' foreheads. Hahahaha. Now, that is what I need to do!
Drink your water, move your body, and. . .
slowly now. . . one, two, three, four. Breathe.
If you've gotten healthy and want to share your methods, let us know! If you're frustrated with your health, you can vent that on us, too. If you try these tips and see or feel a difference, please write to us. Click here to leave a comment or here to email.
Love to all - Nancy
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