Busy Woman’s Stress Management Tip: Take 10 at 10

When the clock reads 10:00 a.m. — take a break and lower your stress.

Let’s face it, most days there is hardly time to go to the bathroom, much less take a moment to yourself! Yet, if you don’t give your body a chance to rest and recharge, the cortisol in your blood builds up and will eventually damage your heart.

Do yourself and your heart a favor. Sometime during the 10:00 a.m. hour, stop what you are doing, close your eyes, and take ten deep breaths.

That’s it, just ten deep breaths, in and out.

Count to five on the way in and to ten on the way out. Focus on the sound of your breath, the feeling in your lungs, and the count.

This simple strategy will:

• allow your brain to get more oxygen (you’ll feel smarter)
• lower your blood pressure
• allow you to disengage from what you are doing (you’ll be more focused)
• allow your eyes to rest (and cut down on eye strain)
• lower your heart rate
• brighten your mood
• make you feel better (maybe even a bit tingly)

This strategy is also helpful at the end of the day, to help make the transition between work and home (especially before picking up the kids) and at bed time.

Try it!

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Eliz Greene is the Busy Woman’s Guide to Health. Drawing on her experience surviving a massive heart attack while seven-months pregnant with twins, struggling to lose the 80 pounds gained during her pregnancy, and her background as an adaptive movement specialist, Eliz developed simple strategies and tips to help other busy women be more active, eat better and manage your stress.

As the Director of the Embrace Your Heart Wellness Initiative, Eliz travels the country energizing and inspiring audiences in keynotes and workshops on women’s heart health. She writes one of the top 100 health and wellness blogs. Find more at www.EmbraceYourHeart.com.