For the last week I have been sleeping with my head at the foot of the bed. Just for a change of pace. And my brain is enjoying the novelty of it all.
From my new perspective, with my toes up next to the headboard, my brain is so engaged. The dog is snoring. The clock is ticking. The moonlight is coming in the window. But everything is upside down and backwards. How fun is that? Waking up in the middle of the night, my mind pauses. There is this exquisite moment of complete awareness while my brain puts everything into place. And this slight change in orientation makes me feel like I am waking up in a new place. Like being on vacation. Surprisingly it adds to my excitement for the new day.
Being creatures of habit, many of us hold on to the security of routine. We find it hard to change habits, in part, because of the familiarity we have developed with the old ones. Repeated habits wire the brain to form a nice groove. Everything can go on autopilot. But that groove tends to become a rut. Sometimes a really deep rut. And being in a rut stagnates growth and development. Read more
I have several favorite breathing techniques in my bag of relaxation tools. Of them, I find “Alternate Nostril Breathing” (or Nadi Shodhana) to be one of the most effective at calming my mind and soothing my nervous system. It also feels very balancing because it helps integrate the brain, allowing me to get the most out of my creative right hemisphere and my logical left hemisphere.
You may not have noticed, but we don’t breathe evenly between our two nostrils. One nostril typically feels more clear and open than the other. And this openness tends to cycle from one nostril to the other. A typical breathing pattern cycles between each nostril every 2-3 hours. One cycle, you find that you can breathe comfortably through your left nostril and your right nostril is congested. A few hours later, your right nostril is clear, but your left is a bit more congested.
Research has shown more electrical brain activity on the side opposite the open, clear nostril. Left nostril open – the creative right brain is more predominant. Right nostril open – the logical left brain in more predominant. Read more
Let’s just pause for a heartbeat or two.
Can you feel it? Lub-dub, lub-dub, lub-dub, lub-dub.
Constant as the Northern Star. And as dazzling.
February is American Heart Month. An opportunity to feel a bit of gratitude and amazement for our own little, individual perpetual motion machine. And in our moment of gratitude, or month of gratitude as the case may be, let’s make a commitment to taking better care of our hearts. It doesn’t take much. Any little investment we make in our heart health pays back in big time dividends. And unlike most investments these days, an investment in our health and well-being comes with low-risk and high returns. Read more
Dear Jess, I work in an office setting and several of my co-workers always seem to be coming down with colds and other illnesses. Do you have any suggestions for boosting my immune system to avoid getting sick? Thanks much, BA
The immune system is one of the most amazing systems in the body incorporating several of the body’s most complex mechanisms. This entire system works to protect your from foreign invaders like viruses, bacteria, fungi and other micro-organisms. It is also the immune system’s job to scout out and destroy cancer cells. While most of us are familiar with the consequences of an under-active immune system (frequent colds and infections, increased cancer risk), there is also the other end of the spectrum – over-activity of the immune system - that sets the stage for the body to attack itself and is manifested in diseases like allergies, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Both are important to address.
It is a paradox – a robust immune system supports your good health and, conversely, your good health is essential to supporting your immune system. Read more
Dear Jess: I have a very stressful job and was wondering if you have any relaxation techniques that I could practice during the day. I practice yoga and walk at least 30 minutes every day. I have read about different breathing exercises. Do you know a technique that I could use at work? Thanks, Jenny M.
Dear Jenny: You are already on your way…walking on a daily basis and practicing yoga are excellent activities for reducing your body’s reaction to stress as well as for improving your overall health and well-being. So, pat yourself on the back for the actions you are currently taking to make a positive change in your life.
