In Through the Nose, Out Through the Mouth (or whatever works best for you, really)

So! Yesterday I promised to tell you the one thing you can do to improve your entire situation and here it is: bourbon! No, wait a minute, that is just about the exact opposite of the kind of advice I'm trying to give here. We're going for long-term improvements and contrary to the beliefs of many of my friends bourbon is, at absolute best, a tasty but very short-term solution.

But back on topic! Seriously, the one little initial thing you can do that's going to change everything for the better is this: change how you breathe.

I know, it's not very sexy or exciting. Sorry to disappoint but we have to take the baby steps before we can take the big steps, you know? And anyway, you know how much better you feel when you take a big deep breath and then exhale it all out? That's not a coincidence. I'll let Joseph Pilates take it from here:

"Breathing is the first act of life, and the last. Our very life depends on it. Since we cannot live without breathing, it is tragically deplorable to contemplate the millions and millions who have never learned to master the art of correct breathing ... Lazy breathing converts the lungs, figuratively speaking, into a cemetery for the deposition of diseased, dying, and dead germs as well as supplying an ideal haven for the multiplication of other harmful germs. Therefore, above all, learn how to breathe correctly. 'Squeeze' every atom of air from your lungs until they are almost as free of air as is a vacuum. Stand erect again and observe how your lungs will automatically completely refill themselves with fresh air. The impact of so much oxygen upon your bloodstream may at first quite naturally and normally result in your experiencing a slight sensation of 'lightheadedness' ... However, after a few days this feeling will entirely disappear." - Joseph Pilates, from "Return To Life Through Contrology"

 I'm pretty sure ol' Joe intended for everyone to breathe this fully all the time - the man had some crazy-high standards - and I will freely admit that I don't always hit that mark but I can't deny how much better I feel when I do.

So here's your assignment for today (and tomorrow, and the day after that ...): find three different moments to just sit and take five deep breaths. Close your eyes if you want to, but you don't have to. Sit or stand up tall and inhale as fully as you can through your nose, try not to let your shoulders rise but do feel your ribcage and diaphragm expand as you breathe in, and then exhale out as much of that air as possible (either through your nose or your mouth, whichever suits you better). It might make you yawn, and that is totally fine. Open your eyes, if they were closed, and go on about your day. Notice how much easier the breathing becomes over time, and observe how it changes your general outlook over the course of the day.

Feel free to comment! I'd love to get to know you if I don't already. And join me tomorrow to talk about what's for dinner. 

Have a beautiful day.
- Sarah