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Just Breathe

Remember that country music hit, Just Breathe?
It turns out Faith Hill was definitely onto something.

Most of us have a way of letting stress get the better of us. It’s not just a question of being fatigued or short-tempered with our kids; stress carries with it some serious health consequences, according to the American Heart Association.

When faced with a stressful situation, the body reacts by releasing a hormone, adrenaline, that causes your breathing and heart rate to speed up and your blood pressure to rise. When stress is chronic, the body remains in high gear for days or weeks at a time, which over the long term could damage the artery walls.

Luckily, relaxing can be as simple as breathing. The American Heart Association suggests these techniques to give it a try:
• Sit in a comfortable position with your feet on the floor and your hands in your lap or lie down. Close your eyes.
• Picture yourself in a peaceful place. Perhaps you’re lying on the beach, walking in the mountains or floating in the clouds. Hold this scene in your mind.
• Inhale and exhale. Focus on breathing slowly and deeply. Continue to breathe slowly for 10 minutes or more.
• Try to take at least five to 10 minutes every day for deep breathing or another form of relaxation.

Deep breathing is a good skill to practice as you start or end your day. With daily practice, you will soon be able to use this skill whenever you feel stress. Not only will you improve your long-term health, you’ll model positive behavior for your children.

For more information on heart health and dealing with stress, see www.heart.org