| > | | | | feet. Use a book or cushion under your feet if they do |
| You don't need to fall into the stress mode of life. You | | | | not rest comfortably on the floor. Hands are on the |
| can use breath to relax, rather than stress, your mind | | | | tops of your legs. |
| and body. Yoga helps you to relearn that natural state | | | | 2. Close your eyes gently and let them rest behind |
| that your body and mind want to be in: relaxation. You | | | | closed lids. |
| don't need to fall into the stress mode of life. You can | | | | 3. Think about your ribs, at the front, back, and at the |
| use breath to relax, rather than stress, your mind and | | | | sides of your body. Your lungs are behind those ribs. |
| body. Yoga helps you to relearn that natural state that | | | | 4. Feel your lungs filling up, your ribs expanding out and |
| your body and mind want to be in: relaxation. | | | | up. Feel your lungs emptying, your ribs coming back |
| Deep breathing is both calming and energizing. The | | | | down and in. Don't push the breath. |
| energy you feel from a few minutes of careful | | | | 5. The first few times you do this, do it for 2 to 3 |
| breathe is not nervous or hyper, but that calm, steady | | | | minutes, then do it for up to 5 to 10 minutes. At first, set |
| energy we all need. Slow, steady, and quiet breathing | | | | aside a time at least once a day to do this. When you |
| gives a message to your nervous system: Be calm. | | | | learn how good it makes you feel, you'll want to do it |
| Whole books have been written on yoga breathing. | | | | at other times as well. |
| Here is one 5-minute Breath Break. (Read through the | | | | Just as one stressful situation goes into your next |
| instructions several times before you try the practice.) | | | | challenge, relaxing for a few minutes every day |
| 1. Sit with your spine as straight as possible. Use a | | | | gradually carries over into the rest of your daily life and |
| chair if necessary but don't slump into it. Feet flat on | | | | activities. |
| the floor with knees directly over the center of your | | | | |