Breathe
“Sometimes you just need to stop, take a deep breath, and put things into perspective.”
-Katrina
2020. Just reading that may induce stress! Stress is not always a bad thing. We are wired for a “fight or flight” response when facing danger. However, when the stress response is activated frequently due to deadlines, an overly packed schedule, --or a pandemic--our health can be negatively impacted. High blood pressure, suppressed immunity, and depression can all be results of too much stress in our lives.
So, for this week’s challenge: Take some time every day to do nothing but...breathe. Sit in a comfortable position with feet flat on the floor and something to support your head.Place one hand on your stomach, just below the ribs, and one hand on your chest. Inhale through the nose,1-2-3-4--hold 5-6--then exhale through the nose--or mouth, if it’s more comfortable. 1-2-3-4-5-6. Repeat for one minute. (or more, if you have time).
Note: When you inhale let your stomach push your hand out. Your chest should not move. When you exhale, your stomach will move in as you get rid of every bit of air.
Studies show that breathing in through the nose expands the lungs and oxidizes the body better than breathing in through the mouth. Set a timer, get comfy, close your eyes, and breathe.
While you are doing all that breathing, you may as well be enjoying a lovely fragrance, such as yummy homemade granola baking in the oven. It is much healthier for you than those sugary, processed cereals.
Maple Cinnamon Granola
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 egg white, lightly beaten
½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
¼ cup melted coconut oil
1 heaping teaspoon cinnamon
½ t. pumpkin pie spice
½ t. pink himalyan salt (or sea salt)
? c. mix of raw honey and 100% natural maple syrup (any combination, or one or the other)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup raw walnuts
½ cup golden raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Heat oven to 300 degrees. Line a 17 x 13 baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix the egg white, coconut oil, and honey/maple syrup. Toss other ingredients--except for raisins--in a large bowl. Pour the liquid mixture in and mix well. Spread on baking sheet and bake, tossing occasionally, until golden, 35-40 minutes. Let cool. Toss in the raisins/cranberries. Store in an air-tight container.