I had the pleasure of attending yet another Institute for Integrative Nutrition Conference yesterday (what can I say, they really look out for their students and graduates!) where I heard the latest from Integrative Health Specialist, Dr. Andrew Weil on the subject of inflammation.
It’s the low-level, undetected, un-noticeable internal inflammation that is a precursor to disease and among the top causes are diet and stress.
I talk a lot about diet and eating well on this blog, so today I want to address stress because, well, we all have it. Dr. Weill discussed a few ways we can control stress in our lives one of which was a simple yet useful breath exercise, the 4-7-8 Breath.
Start by completely exhaling, then inhale on a count of 4. Retain the breath for a count of 7 and then exhale everything out through the mouth on a count of 8.
Repeat this exercise in a cycle of four two times per day. Once you get used to it, you may increase to eight but never exceed eight cycles.
Sound easy enough? Then give it a try and notice your stress start to melt away.
If you’re in need of some other ways to manage stress try a news fast because what we feed our mind, has a profound effect on our body, Dr. Weill says.And if you’re trying to make healthy changes in your life, surround yourself with healthy, happy people!
If you like what you’re reading here, check out Dr. Weill’s new book out Tuesday, Spontaneous Happiness. Doesn’t the cover remind you of the Dalai Lama’s book, The Art of Happiness?
And by the way, IIN is offering my readers a $300 scholarship this week only and the best part is that starting today, all new distance learning students get to take the course on their own iPad, courtesy of IIN. If you want to know more about the program, sign up for tomorrow’s free webinar.
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