TIP of the WEEK: Just Breathe

January 18, 2013

We often overlook the benefits of taking deep, mindful breathes. We have busy lives, little time and rarely put ourselves first but this is one thing that we can make time for and the health benefits are extraordinary. Did you know that 30 seconds of deep breathing everyday actually improves your tissue function, increases your immune system and acts as a detox for your blood cells? Not to mention the calming effect it has on your central nervous system.

Our kids often have a difficult time taking an effective deep breath. Try these tricks and let us know if you see an improvement:

• Blow the biggest bubble contest. Encourage exhaling for as long as is comfortable and a deep inhale will follow.

• Take a pong pong ball and draw a “goal” at the end of a table. See how many breathes it takes to blow the ball over the goal line. Try to improve their score everyday.

It is important for kids and adults to practice deep breathing everyday but it is equally as important for their caregivers to reduce stress and increase energy.

Submitted by:
Patrice Carroll
Manager of PWS Services