ARE WE DOING IT RIGHT?

We are constantly trying to do everything we can to keep happy, calm and blissful. But sometimes the stress of the outside world does get to us and it starts telling on our body, on our mind and in our everyday routine and we are forced to ask ourselves, “Are we doing it right?” I believe, the start to a day always creates a base for how the day will go, so why not address what is in our hands, as best as we can. We cannot change things beyond our control, bills to be paid, kids school and homework, personal job stress or even basic relationship issues. But what we can manage is what is ours and ours alone…our bodies. Very often we are told by doctors that most of our illnesses and ailments are caused by stress so why not try and turn that backward. Keep the body at its optimum level so that we elevate its immunity. When the body feels invigorated, the mind will follow.

So here is a simple exercise that we can incorporate into our lifestyles. Doing this will allow you to assess the fitness your body and gradually work towards strengthening it.

Stand erect, feet slightly apart, hands by your side. Take a deep breath and raise your hands slowly upwards above your head, close towards your ears, raising your body on your toes. Your stomach should fill up with air as you do this. As you exhale and bring your heels to the ground and arms back to your side. Do 20 counts of this. Follow it up with similar stance except now hands at shoulder level straight infront of you and as you exhale take them to the side at shoulder level. Do 20 counts of this.

As simple as it sounds, this gives a chance to oxygenate your entire body from head to toe. It stretches your calves, back, arms. When you move your hands to the side it stretches your pectoral (chest) muscles as well as works to align your scapula (Upper Back) movement. To maintain balance when you get on your toes you have to tighten your core while breathing in correct form. Make sure you breathe deep, fill in your lungs, feel the air going into your stomach, feel each body part stretch till you sense a tingle at your fingertips. As you exhale push the air out till you will feel your stomach cave in, feel the toxins and negativity leave your system.

But most important of all is are we breathing right. When we take in air, our stomach should fill up (come out) and when we breathe out it should go in. Babies do that but as we grow older many a times we end up doing precisely the opposite, thereby compromising on the amount of oxygen that should reach our cells.

This simple addition to your morning routine is also that which creates mindfulness and is meditative too. It will awaken all your senses. The simple restoration of oxygen to every cell will enhance the serotonin levels and you will be able to kick start your day with positivity.

Follow it up with a glass of luke-warm water with 2 spoons of lemon juice and half a spoon or honey. This will help in clearing the wastes from your digestive system.

When we ask ourselves, “Are we doing it right?’ we have to consider a complete wholesome looking after our body. That means good nutrition, regular exercise and enough regulated sleep. Good nutrition means the correct balance of food, regular exercise is what gives every part of your body oxygenated blood flow and regulated sleep means a regular sleeping cycle with a relaxed mind without any emotional stimulation to the brain, be it anger, worry or hurt. So do ask yourself and make this change and tell me how you feel.

2 thoughts on “ARE WE DOING IT RIGHT?

  1. SNEHADAS Reply

    YYYYEEEESSSSS……….I WANT THIS……..JUST LIKE YOGA- ANULOM BILOM, PRANAYAM, KAPLBHATI ETC,,, I JUST LOVE TO DO IT & I DO REGULARLY 15- 20 MIN… IT KEEPS ME POSITIVE CONFIDENT & HAPPY… THANK YOU SO MUCH.

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