How to Relax as a Mother of Two
As a mother of two, finding time to relax might seem impossible, but relaxation is a vital component of sound physical and mental health. Dr. Andrew Weil, writing at DrWeil.com, recommends three breathing exercises to achieve a relaxed and clear state of mind. Using these relaxation techniques and striving for a positive state of mind will help keep you healthy and sane through even the toughest of days.
Instructions
The Relaxing Breath
Sit with your back straight while learning this exercise. When you̵7;ve got it down, the exercise can be done in any position. Place the tip of your tongue to the inside ridge of flesh inside your top front teeth. Keep it there through the exercise. Purse your lips a little if it feels more comfortable. Exhale deeply. Let all of your breath out of your mouth with a whooshing sound. Close your mouth. Quietly inhale through your nose and count to four. Hold your breath. As you do this, slowly count to seven. Exhale deeply again through your mouth. Let all of your breath out with a whooshing sound as you slowly count to eight. Repeat this breathing cycle three more times. Do this at least twice a day in the beginning or when your feel stress, but don̵7;t do more than four breath cycles at a time for the first month. When you have developed the technique you can extend it to eight breaths. This simple breathing exercise acts as a natural tranquilizer on your nervous system and is an effective tool for relaxation. The Stimulating Breath
Close your mouth and let your mouth relax. You will be breathing through your nose for this one. Inhale and exhale rapidly through your nose with three short and breaths of equal length. Breathe normally and then repeat the cycle. Aim for three inhale and exhale cycles in one second. Breathe normally between each cycle. Don̵7;t exceed 15 seconds in the beginning, but as you practice you can increase to five more seconds with each session, until you can do it for a full minute. This breathing technique produces a quick movement of the diaphragm and will help you feel relaxed yet invigorated and alert. Breath Counting
Sit in a comfortable position. Straighten your spine and tilt your head slightly forward. Close your eyes and take some deep breaths. Breathe naturally without controlling it. Ideally, your breath will be quiet and slow at this point, but it will vary. Exhale and count to one. On the next exhale count to two and so on until your reach, but do not exceed, five. Repeat the cycle again. Aim for 10 minutes to reach a meditative state that will make you feel relaxed and ready to be your best.
