Need a vacation but don’t have the time or disposable income to jet off to Maui? 

The ability to relax is essential in managing everyday stress and anxiety. Stress can severely limit productivity, strangles concentration and is said to cost American industries billions annually due to absenteeism. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has declared stress a workplace hazard. 

How can you instantly alleviate the effects of stress and boost your energy at home, school or on the job?

Breathe! Scientific studies show that 75% of our energy comes from breathing. Stressful, turbulent breathing patterns are dangerous to your health and well being. Harmful effects include increased heart rate, high blood pressure and fatigue brought on by reduced amounts of oxygen in the bloodstream. Shallow breathing is known to trigger the “fight or flight” response which can amplify symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

The antidote? Deep breathing. This simple act alone, can reduce high blood pressure and boost energy, instantaneously increase circulation, oxygenate the bloodstream and can induce the “relaxation response”. This relieves muscle tension, alleviates pain, and enhances concentration and memory by restoring clarity of mind.

Take a moment and try this: 

Whether you’re sitting up straight or standing, let your gaze become soft and unfocused as you begin to draw your attention inward. Allow all thoughts to evaporate from your mind, as if suspended in a daydream. When you notice your mind beginning to attach to thoughts again, merely label it as “thinking” and return your focus back to your breath.

Simply observe the breath as it moves in and out through your nose, inflating your belly and lower back. 

Notice the sensation of expansive stillness as each layer of rigidity within you diminishes. Acquaint yourself with the immense depth of this stillness. Take a moment to absorb it fully into every cell of your body, releasing pain and tension while increasing your clarity of mind and awareness. 

Recognize that you, yourself, have cultivated this profound sense of tranquility, literally, out of thin air. Know that this peaceful sanctuary resides within you at all times and the bridge to this tranquility is through the breath.