-Other Articles- Introduction A#1-Benefits of Bodybulding A#2-Choosing the Right Routine A#3-Do's & Don'ts of Effective Dieting A#4-Reaching the Next Level A#5-Time For A Change A#6-Faster Results With Supplements! A#7-Burning More Fat! A#8-What Motivates You? A#9-Aerobics the Right Way! A#10-Measuring Your Progress Don't Forget To Stretch! Holiday Diet Tips! Post Workout Meals Are You Overtraining? Rules To Eat By! (Part I.) Rules To Eat By! (Part II.) Rules To Eat By! (Part III.) Putting It All Together German Volume Training! Visions of Change P.T.S. At A Glance A Diet You Can Live With! Oh, My Aching Back! (Part I) Staying Motivated! To Carb or Not To Carb... Effective Ab Training! Are You Stressed?

Are You Stressed? (Part II)

In this issue...

I.  Managing Your Stress With Belly Breathing.
II.  Five Simple Steps To Relaxation.

In the first part of this series, we took a close look at
some of the mental and physical effects that unmanaged
stress has on our mind and body.  Some of the symptoms
of stress that we covered in the first article included the
following:

- Rise in blood pressure.

- Increase in breathing rate.

- Digestion slows down.

- Rise in perspiration.

- Depression.

- Irritability.

- Isolation.

- Unjustified fear of death or disease.

If you missed the first article, it can be found on the
Workout Wizard(tm) at this link.  

Today, we will look at one of the most effective methods
of stress management, called belly breathing.

--Managing Your Stress With Belly Breathing--

Belly breathing is one of the simplest and most effective
methods of relaxation.  It can be practiced almost
anywhere and no equipment is required.  It only takes
about 10-20 minutes a day.  Belly breathing can be
practiced in almost any position, but beginners will find it
easier to learn while lying on their back with their knees
slightly bent.

Lets take a look at a few simple steps to relaxation
through belly breathing.

--Five Simple Steps To Relaxation--

Step 1)  While lying on your back with your knees slightly
bent, (remember, this is the best position for beginners)
place your left hand on your abdomen and your right hand
on your chest.  Pay close attention to the way your hands
move up and down as you breathe.

As the name implies, the goal of belly breathing is to
breathe with your stomach (not with your chest).  Most of
us have grown accustom to breathing with our chest,
especially when we are tense.  

Step 2) Practice inhaling through your nose and exhaling
through your mouth.  The goal in this step is to fill your
lower lungs with air.  When your left hand is moving
slightly and your right hand is relatively still, you are
breathing correctly.  Fill and empty your lungs (still
concentrating on filling only your lower lungs) 8-10 times
using this type of breathing.  Easy? Good, now youre
ready for step 3!

Step 3) Begin this step by inhaling into your lower lungs
(like you did in step 2), but continue to inhale into your
upper chest.  This type of breathing should cause your
right hand to rise and your left hand to fall as your
abdomen falls.

Step 4) Slowly exhale through your mouth, making a
quiet whooshing sound.  This will cause your left hand to
fall followed by your right hand.  As you exhale, allow all
tensions to leave your body as you become more relaxed.

Step 5) Perform this breathing exercise for 3-5 minutes at
a time.  Try to spend at least 10 minutes a day performing
these breathing techniques.  

Youll be amazed at how quickly you feel more relaxed
and energetic, after just a few short weeks of belly
breathing.  Next time, well take a look at another
effective method of stress management, called progressive
muscle relaxation.  

Stay focused.  Enjoy the process....