De-stressing moves from brain expert
Week of December 1, 2008
By Janice Malkotsis
By Janice Malkotsis
It is possible to stay calm and centered throughout the holidays. Just practice these simple moves developed by Ilchi Lee, founder of Dahn Yoga, and founder and president of the International Brain Education Association in Sedona, Ariz. (brainwavevibration.com). They all focus on the brain stem—which controls breathing, heart rate, stress response, and all the other automatic functions of the body—to help release tension and bring your mind to a relaxed, meditative state. Better yet, you can do them while sitting at your desk, waiting in line, or working at the kitchen counter.
1. Breathe through your abdomen. Take deep breaths from your abdomen (your belly should rise as you inhale and sink as you exhale) to provide your body and brain with sufficient oxygen. This releases the spine’s tension, relaxes the central nervous system, fills the brain and body with vitality, facilitates digestion, and eases drowsiness.
2. Tap your brain. Using the index and middle fingers of both hands, start at the temple and very gently tap across the top of your skull, moving back to front and side to side randomly. This very simple and gentle move increases blood flow to the brain and almost immediately improves focus. (Caveat: It can also make some people slightly dizzy.)
3. Spread your arms. Sitting at your desk, your shoulders can become stiff and block the flow of energy through your body. Spreading your arms wide allows energy to pass through your chest and circulate, revitalizing your brain.
4. Rotate your neck. Neck and shoulder stiffness hinders the blood and oxygen flows to the brain, keeping you from having a clear head. By slowing rotating your neck, you refresh your neck and spine, and stimulate your central nervous system.
For more mind/body exercises, click here.
Read more Fitness articles.
1. Breathe through your abdomen. Take deep breaths from your abdomen (your belly should rise as you inhale and sink as you exhale) to provide your body and brain with sufficient oxygen. This releases the spine’s tension, relaxes the central nervous system, fills the brain and body with vitality, facilitates digestion, and eases drowsiness.
2. Tap your brain. Using the index and middle fingers of both hands, start at the temple and very gently tap across the top of your skull, moving back to front and side to side randomly. This very simple and gentle move increases blood flow to the brain and almost immediately improves focus. (Caveat: It can also make some people slightly dizzy.)
3. Spread your arms. Sitting at your desk, your shoulders can become stiff and block the flow of energy through your body. Spreading your arms wide allows energy to pass through your chest and circulate, revitalizing your brain.
4. Rotate your neck. Neck and shoulder stiffness hinders the blood and oxygen flows to the brain, keeping you from having a clear head. By slowing rotating your neck, you refresh your neck and spine, and stimulate your central nervous system.
For more mind/body exercises, click here.
Read more Fitness articles.
