I don’t know about you, but I have a love/stress relationship with the holiday season. In fact I wrote a poem about it,

The holiday Season
a poem by Lynda Sherland, Integrative Nurse Practitioner

The holiday season is upon us.
Sparkling and beautiful lights
Goodies are piling up in the office break room. Oh no!
Stores are jammed with merchandise. Oh my!
Who to buy for, what to buy, how much to buy? BYE!
Traffic is a mess.
I am stressed.
BREATHE, Lynda, b r e a t h e,
4-7-8. I am blessed.

Can you relate?

During my Integrative Medical Fellowship a few years ago with the wonderful Dr. Andrew Weil, we learned about a breathing technique called the 4-7-8 breath. It is free, fast acting, and easy to do anywhere and anytime. I share it all the time in the treatment room and I would love to share it you right now!

4-7-8 Breath

From a physiological perspective, stress causes our primitive brain to engage which activates our sympathetic nervous system, aka fight or flight mode. This creates inflammation in our bodies and puts us at risk for heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain and more.

The 4-7-8 breath, practiced even once daily interrupts that sympathetic response and begins to rewire our brains. Its the perfect gift of presence this holiday season. It can be done anywhere, even sitting in that traffic jam. The results are immediate and last long after the lights fade, the gifts have been opened, and the food is gone. Try it for yourself and gift it to those you care about.

HOW TO
Place your tongue just behind your top teeth. Exhale with a whooshing sound. Gently inhale for a count of 4. Relax you belly and allow your lungs to fill with air. Hold the breath for a count of 7. Exhale with a whooshing sound for a count of 8. Repeat a total of 4 times. Instant relaxation.

My teacher, Dr. Weil on the 4-7-8 breath

If you are looking for a personalized and holistic solution to anxiety, sleep disturbances, digestive issues or other manifestations of stress, you are cordially invited to my office for a free 20 minute, consultation.

Wishing you and yours a fantastic, stress free, holiday season,

With Love,

Lynda