Even though full, deep breath is often the very thing we need to calm ourselves and quiet our minds, it is often the last thing we think to do. Our bodies automatically breathe, but healthy breathing as a way of being calm and centered is a habit we must cultivate.

Healthy breathing encourages a sense of vitality by creating a rich, steady flow of oxygen. Life-giving oxygen cleanses the bloodstream and energizes the physical body. When we exhale well, we let go of tension. As babies, we naturally breathe deeply. As we grow into the stresses of life, we trade slow, deep breath for the shallow quick breath sometimes known as crisis breathing.

Changing to healthy breath is not difficult. Anyone can learn a few basics that make a big difference. Please contact Divine Physics to find out more. I would be happy to assist you with powerful tips toward good breathing.

In all my years as a fitness and yoga professional, Ive managed to keep what I practice and teach very basic. This doesn’t mean I haven’t learned more than I once knew. And it doesn’t mean that I haven’t advanced my fitness level to a better place than it once was. It means I understand that the basics are always helpful, useful, accessible and manageable. This is why I teach basic practices to my clients.

If part of the stress orientation of our lives is due to complicated lifestyles, it makes sense that part of what brings us back to balance are uncomplicated practices.

By learning exercise techniques that are very logical and easy-to-follow, we increase our chances of repeating some of these exercises even when we are not in the gym or in the presence of a trainer. We might find ourselves practicing healthy stretches and muscle reps as a short break at our work stations or while watching television at night.

If we can manage to increase our activity on our own, the need for hustling ourselves to the gym or club on multiple occasions each week is reduced. This, in turn, can decrease some of our too-busy overload and help us to de-stress.

Exercise is good for us. And most of us appreciate the social side of exercising with others. But we can also benefit from exercising alone. I find the mix of both to be best for keeping myself fit without too much stress.

If you aren’t on an exercise regime, consider investigating some beginner level classes soon. If you are or have been on a regime, ask yourself if you really understand what you are doing to the point where you can practice on your own. If not, consider a return to the basics soon.