The 4-7-8 breathing technique is a form of deep, slow breathing that triggers the nervous system to become relaxed, the heart to slow down and the mind to calm down. It is used in many clinics ranging from sleep clinics to COPD/Asthma clinics to counseling.

Stress. It's a killer. In fact, it is THE killer.

Disease (AKA "Dis" "Ease") is caused by stress and it comes in forms of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Whether it's physical inflammation causing pain or emotional distress causing insomnia or external forces bearing down on us, it is all stress.

A daily meditation practice is one of the very best habits you can establish for yourself. Studies have shown that meditation reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and boosts immunity. It can also help you to let go of negative feelings and give you a more positive outlook without the use of medication. Unfortunately, many people are intimidated by the thought of meditation because they believe it is either difficult to do, overly time consuming or attached to a specific religious belief; all of which are false. Meditation is actually a very healthy practice that will result in less stress, a healthier body and more mental clarity. To reap the benefits to mind, body and spirit, you need only to practice a very basic form of meditation. Try these simple steps for just 10 minutes each morning:

Right now is a good time to focus on ongoing fitness practices that can help to keep us healthy all year long.  One daily practice you may want to consider is Tai Chi.

Tai Chi is a series of physical postures, or "forms", which are linked slowly and precisely by meditative movement.  It originated in China more than 1,000 years ago and is considered a martial art that is practiced primarily for its health benefits, including reduction of tension and stress.