By Shahnaz Husain
Fear and anxiety, in these days of the Coronavirus affliction, can have negative effects on our health. It has been seen that a lifestyle, which is close to nature, is also a lifestyle, which can increase our level mental and physical fitness.
So here are some pointers for a healthy lifestyle:
Take advantage of the morning. Set aside some time for daily exercise and relaxation. Both are necessary. You can do this by going to sleep and waking up half an hour early. Start your day with 10 minutes of stretching exercises or a brisk walk. Then do deep breathing exercises for 5 minutes, followed by meditation for 15 minutes. This means you need to set aside about half an hour. Exercise has tremendous benefits. It gives you strength, energy and stamina. It helps to reduce mental stress and promote a sense of well being. It also helps in getting deep restful sleep. Meditation is another useful way of coping with stress. Today, the western world is following the ways advocated by our ancient heritage, like yoga and meditation.
Exercise has tremendous benefits. It gives you strength, energy and stamina. It helps to reduce mental stress and promote a sense of well being. It also helps in getting deep restful sleep. Meditation is another useful way of coping with stress. Today, the western world is following the ways advocated by our ancient heritage, like yoga and meditation.
Conscious relaxation can also help to ease stress and it can be learned and developed. So, take time to relax your body and mind and free yourself from stress and tension. You can learn to relax by practicing these simple relaxation techniques.
Abdominal Breathing: This helps to induce relaxation of both body and mind. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose, allowing your stomach to expand, but keeping the chest still. Breathe out slowly through the nose. Repeat this for five minutes.
-Close your eyes and count backwards from 20, saying each number silently as you breathe out. Repeat this five to ten times.
-Close your eyes and imagine a peaceful scene. Keep the picture in your mind for a few minutes. Try not to allow other thoughts to interfere.
Deep breathing exercises and meditation are also helpful. In fact, they can help to make the mind calm and peaceful. Just a few minutes of deep breathing can be followed with meditation for 15 to 20 minutes.
Have an early dinner – about 2 to 3 hours before you go to sleep. Go for a walk after dinner. A walk actually has a calming effect and reduces stress. Spend time with your family, watching television or playing games. Developing a loving calm home life can really help to take away the stresses and strains. Go to bed early as often as you can. Catching up on sleep refreshes and revives. If you feel easily fatigued and lack energy, be sure to consult your doctor. (The author is international fame beauty expert and is called herbal queen of India)