Hello yogis & non-yogis alike… my name is Jen Caron and I present to you jencyoga.com.  What started as a site to present information about yoga classes offered in and around Orange County is evolving into an ever-changing catalog of healthy tips and treats designed to bring happiness, peace & well-being to you.  My goal is to post Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & a post for each weekend… which is approximately every other day.  This will give you time to read, digest & take action as these tips are for you to actually DO in your life.  Feel free to report back on what is working and what is not.  We can all stand to make adjustments here and there and what works for some of us may or may not work for others.

So without further ado, I present to you your first tip.  Drum roll, please…

Breathe.

What other advice would a yoga teacher give, right?  I speak the truth.  Aside from keeping you alive, a strong, healthy breathing routine can help your body heal faster, lower blood pressure, increase immunity, relieve stress and make you feel a whole heck of a lot better than short, spasmy breaths.  We take in air about 20,000 times a day (thanks, Real Simple, November 2009 edition) so why not do it right?  Here’s how it goes –

On the inhale, slowly draw air deep into your lungs.  Let the air go into your abdominal region letting you tummy area expand. (That’s right Orange County, stick your belly out!) Take the full breath until no more air can go in.  Now, start your exhale by letting your belly contract, followed by your ribcage allowing the air to flow slow and steady out your nose.

As you pay attention more to your breathing technique, the good stuff will come naturally without so much thought.  It will be a habit that you will be happy not to shake.

Go to it, my friends… breath away!