As you get older it is harder to have heroes, but it is sort of necessary. -- Earnest Hemingway

I just contributed to an article for a magazine about things we can do for 90 seconds or less that can improve our health and our moods.  The idea is to have a repertoire of quick and easy things you can do at times of stress to relax and let go. 90 seconds is not a long time.  However there are some things that we do that can make a minute seem like forever!

The idea made me think about all the little things I do during the day that take 90 seconds or less. Brushing my teeth, making a cup of tea, eating a banana, kissing my husband good-by, making the bed, combing my hair, and sometimes just staring out the window without a thought, all take less than 90 seconds.

I thought I would share with you some of the things I have contributed and hope you find at least one helpful that you can add into your day.

1.  Give a hug to someone you love –  because touching produces a peptide called oxytocin which increases estrogen, insures bonding, and generally lifts depression

2. Turn on the music – most music triggers an irresistible urge to dance, move, clap, and sway. It cause us to get moving and when we get moving we burn calories and increase endorphin levels bringing about smiles and good feelings – reducing stress

3. Smell the flowers –our sense of smell has a powerful influence on our sleeping, eating, and sexual activity. To help you sleep, take a whiff of lavender, an essential oil that has relaxing powers. For the romantic mood try jasmine. Essential oils have compounds that affect our sense of smell and our sense of smell affects our moods.

4. Yoga Mountain Pose – this simple pose will improve you posture, improve balance, and bring stillness to the body-mind. For one minute only stand erect, lift your shoulder up and back, head high, and stare straight ahead. Hold for 60 seconds and then take in a deep breath and release.

5. Smile at someone you pass on the street. Every time you smile you exercise important facial muscles and when that person smiles back it feels good sending a rush of happiness that quiets the body-mind.

6.  Eat a large piece of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate contains important antioxidants as    well as high levels of phenylethylamine, also known as Pea which is a natural form of amphetamine that spikes with romance. It is a sexual stimulant and mood enhancer. 

7. Stop, sit still, and breathe. Take 90seconds and allow yourself to totally focus on your          breath. Inhale deep and feel the rise of your body and then as you exhale let your body  fall. Be still and quiet and simply experience the natural rise and fall of your breath. Like  all of life there is a natural rhythm. Things rise and things fall and then they always rise  again and fall again. This helps us to get a perspective on the ups and downs of life.

8.    Open a book of notable quotes and simply read the first one you encounter. Absorb it into      your consciousness. Taking 90 seconds to feed the brain with positive thoughts reduces  stress and puts us on a positive track for the day ahead.

9.    Get out of bed and stretch. Nothing feels better than taking a few moments to stretch  your body after a nights sleep. Stretching helps to prevent injuries by keeping us limber  and flexible.

10.    Kiss! Did you know that a ninety-second passionate kiss can burn an extra 10 calories  and its lots of fun!

Often times it’s the little things and the little moments that add up to the greatest achievements in life. There are lots of simple things you can do in only 90 seconds to make your life a little easier, a little happier, and a little healthier. 
Stop right now and just take the next 90 seconds and relax. Be good to yourself and you will improve everything and everyone you touch.

Doctor Lynn
www.doctorlynn.com