Weil's breathing technique takes about two minutes:
1. Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge behind and above your front teeth, and keep it there through the whole exercise.
2. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a "whoosh" sound.
3. Inhale deeply and quietly through your nose to a count of four (with your mouth closed).
4. Hold your breath for a count of seven.
5. Exhale audibly through your mouth to a count of eight.
6. Repeat steps three, four and five for four breaths.
"This takes a couple of minutes a day," Weil says.
You can add meditation. Maybe take a nap.
The important thing is to give your mind a rest.
"There is the idea out there that age-related cognitive decline is normal," Weil says. "I'm not so sure that's true."
What makes Weil's breathing technique so easy is you can do it anywhere. He suggests practicing twice a day, keeping your back straight if you're seated.
"Do not do more than four breaths at one time for the first month of practice, but repeat the exercise as often as you wish," he says. "After a month, if you are comfortable with it, increase to eight breaths each time."
Your blood pressure could go down. Your circulation could improve. You'll feel better all over.
But learning breathing technique won't guarantee greater longevity.
"You're going to die," Weil says. "But you don't necessarily have to be sick before you die.
"These age-related diseases aren't necessarily part of the aging process. It's possible to live long and well and have a rapid decline."
Source: The Record. Powered by Yellowbrix.
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