Tip 4: Take a Breath

This is the fourth post of a 7-part blog series called Seven Tips For Balanced Living that shares specifically how our family improved our living habits, living them out on a daily basis, so we could get our health under control.

Breathing Exercises Help You Relax, Rest, and Sleep Better

Oxygenation is a key to balanced, healthy living. We always think of exercise as THE way to oxygenate, but meditation is a great way to oxygenate as well (especially true if you are too pressed for time or too ill to exercise). Breathing exercises allow you to relax, rest, and get restorative sleep. Deep breathing will increase your body's ability to heal itself, lose weight, and generally run more smoothly.

Many different faiths practice meditation on a regular basis as part of their religious practice. Yoga incorporates meditation as part of the ritual, as does Jewish and Christian faith. King David said in Psalm One:

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.

Whatever your faith persuasion, however, meditation can help keep you in great health. So how do you meditate? Simple:

1. Find a quiet place, a place that can be peaceful- just for you.
2. Close your eyes, or keep them open on a focal point that will keep your gaze steady.
3. Begin breathing deeply, in through the nose, and out through the mouth.
4. Focus on the breathing, and how good your body feels while oxygen floods your cells.
5. Think on one thing that makes you happy and peaceful and focus on your breath and body. It could be a word like "Peace" or "Joy" or "God" or "Health.

Set aside time daily to do this, even if it's only five minutes! So today, wherever you are, take some time to take a breath!

Seven Tips for Balanced Living: Tip 5: Listen to your Mother, and Mind your Manners

Please see the related Related Content we have provided to support the Seven Tips for Balanced Living series. You will find recipes, grocery shopping list, shopping tips and other useful tools to move you down the path of better nutrition.