Relaxation exercises start with
 this relaxing breath technique

If you are wondering about the value of relaxation exercises, think about your life for a moment. Does this sound familiar to you? Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because the mind is racing… getting to the end of the day wishing you had the energy to stay up a little longer and enjoy time with your husband or wife, but can’t stay awake… times when the heart races or skips some beats for no particular reason… walking from one room to the next and forgetting why you came there… feeling in a hurry… feeling tense in the shoulders…. worrying that you worry so much?

I hope that short reminder of our fast paced high stress lifestyle was enough to remind you why you wanted to learn about relaxation exercises. My experience in practicing holistic medicine is that most if not all of my patients could benefit from this. Conditions including high blood pressure, heart palpitations, migraine headaches, chronic fatigue, and insomnia (among others) are known to improve with the regular daily practice of some sort of relaxation exercises.

How to start

Of all the breathing exercises for reduction of stress and chronic fatigue, this relaxing breath technique is probably the most effective in the shortest period of time. It does not require any imagery or meditation, just a few minutes of a conscious breathing practice. Here’s how.

Sit in a comfortable chair with both feet on the floor and hands on your lap. Let all the breath out. Breathe in deeply and strongly through the nose to the count of 4, then hold the breath to the count of 7, then let the breath out to a count of 8, breathing out through the mouth with a sort of whooshy throaty sound. That’s one cycle. Repeat this for a total of 4 cycles, then sit quietly for a few moments simply observing your breathing and being aware of how the body is feeling more relaxed than it did before you started. Practice this technique twice daily as religiously as if you were on a prescription medication and you will notice cumulative benefits over time.

This simple yet profoundly powerful relaxation exercise has the potential to change your life. And it’s free, and completely without side effects! So what are you waiting for? Enjoy it. And send me a note sometime about your experience and how it has benefited you.

To your health and wellness,

Robert Pendergrast, MD

CAUTION: if you are taking medication for any medical conditions, continue that medication and do not discontinue it based on any information on this page, which is for information only and not for medical advice.

Return from Relaxation Exercises to Holistic Medicine MD home page.