STRESS-LESS TIP: TAKE RELAXATION TO HEART.

Posted by Alanna Fincke

Here’s another easy and effective tip to stop stress in its tracks. This exercise, designed by Susanna Bair, co-founder of the Institute for Applied Meditation in Tucson, Arizona, and coauthor of “Energize Your Heart,” helps reduce stress instantly by teaching you how to synchronize your breath with your heartbeat.

Energize Your Heart Exercise

1. Sit upright, chest forward, shoulders back, spine straight, and head level.
2. Close your eyes and become aware of your breath flowing in and out. You can put your hands on your heart or rest them by your sides.
3. Draw in a deep breath and hold it for a moment. Become aware of your heart pulsing inside you (this may take some practice); then exhale. If you can't hear your heartbeat, feel for your pulse in your chest or on the inside of your wrist.
4. Allow your breath to fall in sync with your heart. Try inhaling for eight heartbeats and then exhaling for eight. Continue this for five to 10 minutes.

Try this meditation once in the morning to energize you and again in the evening to clear tension and create a renewed calm.

Read more heart-smart tips:
Energize Your Heart

Question: What are your favorite quick relaxation tricks?

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Comments

[Karin Ponce]

This exercise gives me a wonderfully meditative 'body and mind in synch' feeling.