Grugger’s Way

Breathe Deeply of the Outside Air

Many of the health and fitness blogs that I have recently read have much in common when it comes to recommending some simple means to improve health and well-being.

1.  Get outside for some fresh air.  The fact is, the air in our homes is toxic.  The furnace vents, the closed environment during the winter months, pet hair and dander, even smoke, all contribute to the unhealthful state of our indoor air.  So get outside every day.

2.  Stretch.  Stretching improves blood flow and flexibility.  Just think of how stiff your arm gets after carrying around a package or two in the mall for a couple of hours.  Now imagine your entire body reacting in the same way to sitting here in front of this computer screen, oftentimes for hours on end…same thing.  Ya gotta loosen up those muscles and joints.

3.  Breathe deeply, with the emphasis on deeply.   A shallow breathing pattern is frequently common to non-exercisers and is very detrimental to our health over time.   Breathe into your lungs first, until they fill, then expand your stomach by pushing outward, thus enlarging the diaphram cavity to allow more air into your lungs.  Hold for a three-count and then slowly exhale through the nose.  Repeat the process, but the second time, exhale forcefully through the mouth.   Do this a half-dozen times until you find a pattern that both invigorates you and relaxes you.  (Yes it is possible to do both.)

Now, to bring it all together:  Go outside to the front porch, back yard or the deck area, and breathe deeply of the outside air.  Find a couple of simple stretches to do after you have taken a few breaths, and then do some more deep breathing.  Heck I feel better just writing about it!  (For ideas about great stretches, just visit any online yoga site.)

Now…I am going outside to practice what I  preach.  Have a great day!

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