A little Sunday tip 🌟 What’s in a walnut ? A research team conducting a test in 12 Barcelona schools has shown that a handful of walnuts 3 times a week can boost attention and brain growth in secondary students. Walnuts contain omega-3 oil, a fatty acid that serves as glue in the brain. Walnuts were also found to have substantial positive effects on those with ADHD .
Are you a shallow breather like me? Most people are shallow breathers or upper chest breathers. We usually don’t consciously think about breathing as it happens naturally. Shallow breathing prevents the body’s ability to take in oxygen and may lead to overall diminished health. It tricks the body into thinking you are always stressed. Shallow breathing may impair your thinking, increase blood pressure and heart rate. It keeps you from utilizing the respiratory muscles which can lead to reduced physical ability, lower endurance and becoming winded faster. Shallow breathing may cause sleeping issues and headaches. So what can we do? The techniques to breathing deeply are easy to learn but remembering to practice a few times a day might be harder. There are breathing apps that send you alerts, when you meditate, when you go to sleep. Anything that you do on a regular basis throughout your day can act as a reminder. I do it when I walk my dog. Even if it may feel unnatural to breathe deeply, it comes with many benefits. It allows your body to fully exchange incoming oxygen with outgoing carbon dioxide, slowing heartbeat, stabilize blood pressure and lower stress. Now take a deep breath and enjoy a lovely day 💚💚💚💚C
When your lymphatic system is stagnant, it can show up on your skin. The lymphatic system assists with the expelling of toxins. It lies just beneath your skin. If it is not working as it should or clogged, your skin may suffer from acne, loss of elasticity, premature aging and other skin conditions. The lower body gets a head start in the morning as we get up to walk around and move. To get the circulation going for the upper body try this: clasp your hands behind your head so your elbows stick out. Now in a pumping motion put the elbows together in front of you for a count of 30-50 times. Other ways you can kickstart the system is to dry brush your skin and jump on a trampoline or maybe doing the chicken dance 😉
Hello healthy body! Long term continuous chronic stress is a major cause of disease today. My belief is that it doesn’t matter how much kale you eat, or how fit you are, if you have long term chronic stress wreaking havoc in your body, it doesn’t make much difference. Chronic stress and worry wears down our body’s defences and lowers the immune system.
So, what can we do about it? There are 3 easy things we can start with right now.
The effects are immediate.
Your breathing. How are you breathing right now? Shallow breath or maybe even holding your breath without noticing? Practice breathing deeply. When you inhale, your tummy should go big and when you exhale your tummy should go in.
Check your body. Sometimes we sit or walk with our shoulders up by our ears or wear a frown we are not aware of. Relax your body.
What are you thinking about? It may take some discipline but it’s a habit we can develop. Start in the morning with positive affirmations and being grateful for small things. Try to keep this positive bubble longer and longer every day, with some practice, it will become effortless.
All of the above will help trigger the release of endorphins which are the feelgood hormones. It will promote better blood flow, improve immunity, reduce inflammation and many other benefits. Make it a habit to check-in several times a day, breathing, body and brain. So now, go ahead take another deep breath and make your tummy BIG.
Listened to a holistic health specialist yesterday. Had my breathing tested, it turns out that I like most people breathe too shallow. Some of the benefits of deep breathing are
*natural pain killer
*improves blood flow
*increases energy levels
*improves posture
*reduces inflammation
*detoxifies the body
*stimulates lymphatic system
*improves digestion
Apparently only people who regularly meditate and practice mindfulness pass this test.
The specialist recommended trying to sleep with a thin piece of surgical tape across the lips so you only breathe through your nose. She said it’s like doing yoga breathing through the night. Maybe something to try ?
