Articles by Sherry
Understanding the Mechanics of Intentional Breathing
Take a very deep breath through your nostrils.
Next, gently push out your stomach and notice how you automatically suck air into their lungs. The reason for this is the negative pressure created when you push out their stomach. The diaphragm drops down creating a negative pressure in the chest, which automatically expands the lungs, sucking in air.
The lungs have five lobes. Often when people take a very deep breath they actually only bring air into the two upper lobes of the lungs. The reason is that you may be pulling your stomach in rather than letting it push out, creating more space. The two lower lobes of the lungs have more blood vessels; therefore more oxygen can get into the tissues.
Oxygen is relaxing and healing and allows a major decrease in stress.
The Vegas nerve runs through the diaphragm. When the diaphragm is hyper stretched it activates the Vegas nerve which stimulates anti-stress hormones.
So by taking a deep breath this way at least once an hour, changes the stress response.
The best way to do this is to breathe in through your nostrils for a count of three, hold the breath three counts and breathe out through your mouth, relaxing your jaw, for six counts and do this hourly to help anchor relaxation, calm and bring peace into your life.
***
Spring into Change and Make it Lasting
In 2016, Mike and Mollie Lannen of Barre, began a journey of intentional, positive behavior changes in their diets, self-care, and home-life that would have profound and lasting effects on their happiness and relationships. Their daughter Claire was two years old at the time; she is now five, and Ella Rose, their second child, is one year old. Mike is the founder and creative director of the website design firm Eternity. Mollie is Eternity’s CEO, as well as founder and president of CW Print and Design.
Mike and Mollie Lannen are those neighbors you see in passing all the time. One day you see Mike coming out of his house and you notice a change in his appearance. He looks healthier, and maybe slimmer. You say to yourself, “What’s up with Mike? What’s he been doing?" Another day you see Mollie and she has a noticeable glow about her. The same questions come to mind…
Random Acts of Kindness Day, February 17th
Kindness humanizes us and helps us connect positively with others. It likes to provide a helping hand, an understanding voice, a shoulder to rest on or a deed unclaimed. It feels good.
Connection and Compassion
When you feel connected with others, you lessen alienation and enhance the sense that we are more similar than dissimilar in our experiences. It promotes empathy and compassion; which in turn, leads to a sense of interconnectedness with others. Feeling connected melds us together rather than divides us. Kindness is potent in strengthening a sense of community and belonging…