It is amazing what a little self-care time daily can do for your health. Combined with deep breathing, taking ten minutes to focus on a soothing task can help the nervous system switch-off the stress response.
To get the most of your time, be sure to let your exhales linger 1.5 to 2 times longer than your inhale (ex: breathe in to the count of 4, out to the count of 6 or 8). This signals the parasympathetic nervous system to switch on. This aspect of the nervous system regulates the body into a rest and digest mode, the exact opposite of the "run/fight" mode of the sympathetic nervous system.
Here are our suggestions for 10 minute well spent:
- walk in nature
- meditation
- stretching
- deep breathing
- SOAK in hot water
- self massage with essential oils