Happy Winter Solstice ~ Blessings, Peace & Joy

This shortest day and longest night of the year, we remember the dementia care-partners who are living with chronic stress 24/7. If this is you, we invite you to sprinkle your day, morning, noon, and night, with a 2-5 minute deeper breath practice. Here’s how, with a 4-4-8 restorative breath:
1. Find a quiet space, uninterrupted.
2. Sit comfortably. Feet planted on the floor, hip-width apart.
3. Notice your breath. If comfortable, deepen your inhale and exhale.
3. Notice your shoulders. Lower and relax the shoulders.
4. If comfortable, inhale slowly and easily counting to 4. Hold the breath for 4 counts.
5. Exhale slowly and easily for 8 counts.
6. Repeat steps 4 & 5 for 2 min. up to 5 min.

This type of deeper breathing can break the cycles of chronic stress and its negative impacts on health.

Contraindications for deeper breathing may include people with respiratory illness, disability, or recent surgery.