No matter who you are or where you are in life, you sometimes have to remind yourself to ...just breathe...
So, whether you find yourself in need of a "pick me up" or a bit of relaxation...here are a few tips:
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" We breathe primarily through one nostril for 90 minutes to two hours then shift to the other," says Kristin McGee, a yoga and pilates instructor at The Sports Club/LA in New York City. "Breathing through the right side makes us alert, while the left side relaxes us."
So, try this: If you need to relax, use your finger to close your right nostril. (Personally, we recommend that you do this by pushing your nostril shut, but hey, if you want to look like you are picking your nose, that's up to you!) Breathe in through the left side for one full breath (slowly). Pause. Then push that nostril closed and breathe out your other (right nostril).
So, got that? To relax, breathe in through the left and out the right. You need to repeat 8 times.
Need a little more energy? Try breathing in through the right and out the left. Repeat 8 times.
And, who makes me the expert? I'm just naturally smart. Okay...that and Kristin McGee...and Self Magazine. There...happy?
- The next trick is essential oils. Use peppermint to shake things up and lavender to get nice and calm...or asleep.
- Try exercising! It can make you sleep better AND give you more energy (Go figure.)
I have a few more tips for falling asleep, but I don't know that they can be backed up by much science. My mom swears by watching movies. She's out before you can even say "Hey mom, wanna watch..." And, my husband personally believes that just listening to me talk can put him to sleep. I think he's just faking to get out of doing things. Jury is still out on that one.
I'll be sure and let you know if I make any scientific discoveries, though ;)
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