Sleep deprivation is bad not only for one’s health but
also for work and personal life. Being tired all the time kills
productivity and can cause serious health issues. According to
WebMD, chronic sleep loss can put a person at risk for the following:
- Heart Disease
- Heart Attack
- Heart Failure
- Irregular Heartbeat
- High Blood Pressure
- Stroke
- Diabetes
It is in our best interest to get the sleep we need. However, how? The “4-7-8” breathing technique, developed by
Dr. Andrew Weil, may be the answer. Dr.
Weil is a Harvard-educated wellness practitioner who studies
meditation, breathing, and how both can be used to counteract stress.
The
technique is easy to learn and use. One only has to breathe in through
the nose for four seconds, hold the breath for seven seconds, exhale for
eight seconds, and then repeat three more times. This exercise will
slow down the heart rate and prepare the body for relaxation.The
“4-7-8” breathing practice is also useful for removing stress during the
day. If the pressure of life or work is becoming a bit too much to
bear, this short easy trick could be just the thing. I gave it ago
while writing for a deadline, and I could instantly feel my heart rate
slow down. That anxious energy (that seems always to be there) all but
disappeared. I look forward to seeing what it does for my sleep.
To learn more about the breathing technique and how to perform it correctly, watch Dr. Weil’s video
here.
