Perfect Breathing

Yes, the summer wedding season is upon us once again. Although it is supposed to be one of the most joyous and exciting of times, it can also be one of the most stressful. A good friend who just recently tied the knot, became a bit knotted up herself - to the degree that she had to seek medical attention for a host of stress related ailments such as nervous stomach, neck and shoulder pain as well as headaches and dizziness.

It's easy to understand how that could happen. There is so much pressure to make everything perfect - the ceremony, the food, entertainment, decorations. Add to that mix bridesmaids, groomsmen, family, and inlaws, who wouldn't be dizzy?

Most of us need powerful help to weather that kind of perfect storm. Here are several tips:

First, stay on top of stress. Make sure that you are taking time to exercise and relax, but if you can't do that take a few minutes a few times a day and practice progressive muscle relaxation. It only takes a minute and you can practice it anywhere, anytime.

Often times stress can lower our resistance to colds and flu. If you feel a bug coming on take a few minutes, lay down and practice the healing breath exercise. Repeat as many times a day as needed. It is also a great stress-buster.

Lastly, if you have trouble with anxiety or panic attacks (especially in those heart-pounding moments at the altar), take slow deep breaths. If you are having trouble breathing, just focus on exhaling slowly for as long as you can and the inhales will take care of themselves.

These simple yet powerful techniques can help dissolve your stress and help make your wedding day one of the happiest days of your life!

PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION

Healing Breath

This is a great exercise to use if you feel a cold coming on, but it is also very relaxing. It works best if you are lying down with your eyes closed, but you can do it sitting as well. You can count each section of the breath (inhale/hold/exhale/hold) or not, but if you do try to use the following ratio: 2/1/2/1 for example 4 count inhale, 2 count hold, 4 count exhale, 2 count hold (or 6/3/6/3 etc).

1. Inhale and visualize the breath coming in through the top of your head and follow it down to the bottom of your stomach

2. Hold it there and imagine it as a ball of energy

3. On the exhale, imagine it like water coursing down from your stomach and out the balls of your feet.

4. Hold before inhaling again Repeat a total of 3 times

5. Inhale as in #1 above

6. Hold as in #2 above

7. On the exhale, imagine it like water coursing from your stomach back and up your spine, down your arms and out the palms of your hands.

8. Hold before inhaling again Repeat a total of 3 times

9. Inhale as in #1 above

10. Hold as in #2 above

11. On the exhale, imagine it like water coursing from your stomach back and up your spine, up and around the top of your head, and out through your eyes.

12. Hold before inhaling again Repeat a total of 3 times

13. Inhale as in #1 above

14. Hold as in #2 above

15. On the exhale, let it permeate your entire body and seep out of your skin

16. Hold before inhaling again

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Don Campbell and Al Lee are the authors of Perfect Breathing: Transform Your Life One Breath At A Time (Sterling Publishng/2008) and write, speak, train, and blog tirelessly on the subject. Discover more ways you can improve your health, performance, and wellbeing at www.perfectbreathing.com. Reach them at info [at] perfectbreathing [dot] com or call 1-888-317-6718.