What keeps most people lying awake and unable to fall asleep at night? Stress, that’s what. Adrenaline and cortisol can keep you wide awake when all you want to do is dose off into dreamland.
While there are many ways you can work to reduce stress hormones at night (like these suggestions), this might perhaps be the quickest!
The 4-7-8 Breathing Technique
This simple breathing technique requires a 4 second inhale through the nose, a 7-second hold of your breath, and then a 8 second exhale through the mouth. This technique is repeated for 4 breath cycles.
According to Dr. Weil, “Once you develop this breathing technique by practicing it every day, twice a day, it will be a very useful tool that you will always have with you. Use it whenever anything upsetting happens – before you react. Use it whenever you are aware of internal tension. Use it to help you fall asleep. Use it to deal with food cravings. Great for mild to moderate anxiety, this exercise cannot be recommended too highly. Everyone can benefit from it.”
Give it a try tonight! You’ve got nothing to lose, but SLEEP!
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References:
- http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/VDR00112/The-4-7-8-Breath-Benefits-and-Demonstration.html
- Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com/elenathewise