De-stress, find focus, achieve calm.

When you are not fully engaged (the second “E” in the SEMPER wheel) with what you are doing, when you are busy, stressed out, or otherwise distracted, you breathe shallowly, depriving your body of the necessary oxygen required for optimal health.  Sure, you can survive on those quick, little breaths, but wouldn’t you rather be thriving?

Breath is one of the most powerful tools in achieving that physical, mental, and spiritual sensation of balance and peace.  By breathing slowly and deeply, you allow your body to relax and your mind to focus.  Full, deep, long breaths calm your central nervous system.

Start simple.  Close your mouth.  Breath through nose.  Viola! 😉  Any time you need a quick “chill pill,” go to your nasal breath.  You can do this while sitting at your desk for a mere minute, or you can take this breath with you while you walk your dog.  Studies have shown that nasal breathing is not only more effective use of your breath cycle, but that it has lasting positive ramifications on your neurological health.  So why not give it a shot?

If you want to take it to the next level and start meditating, keep in mind the “compound effect” of meditation – even a crappy day of mediation is still building up good stuff within you.  Be gentle with yourself, and let your breath be your guide.