Set aside time for prayer and reflection.
06/26/2009
Meditation Deep Breathing Made Simple
Meditation and deep breathing may help change the messages sent from your gut and the rest of the body to your brain via the vagus nerve. By controlling the vagus nerve you can help with everything from improving your memory to improving your immune system.
Meditation: Try to clear your mind of all thoughts. Start by staying silent for at least five minutes. To help clear your mind and meditate, choose a simple word and repeat it to yourself over and over. When you focus on the one word it will help keep distracting thoughts away.
Deep Breathing: Lie flat on the floor, with one hand on your belly and one hand on your chest. Take in a deep breath slowly. This should take about five seconds for you to inhale. As your diaphragm pulls your chest cavity down, your belly button should move away from your spine, filling your lungs. Your chest will also rise. Pull your belly button to your spine to get all the air out. Repeat.
For more relaxation exercises, visit: www.realage.com/stayingyoung/youtoolstips.aspx?tip=19.
Meditation: Try to clear your mind of all thoughts. Start by staying silent for at least five minutes. To help clear your mind and meditate, choose a simple word and repeat it to yourself over and over. When you focus on the one word it will help keep distracting thoughts away.
Deep Breathing: Lie flat on the floor, with one hand on your belly and one hand on your chest. Take in a deep breath slowly. This should take about five seconds for you to inhale. As your diaphragm pulls your chest cavity down, your belly button should move away from your spine, filling your lungs. Your chest will also rise. Pull your belly button to your spine to get all the air out. Repeat.
For more relaxation exercises, visit: www.realage.com/stayingyoung/youtoolstips.aspx?tip=19.
