Dr. Andrew Weil's 5 Holistic Health Secrets

5. Secret to Keep Your Life Balanced: Gratitude Journal and 4-7-8 Breathing

Gratitude Journal: Gratitude is shown to help ward off depression. So keep a journal and during the day make mental notes of the things you are grateful for – simple things such as friendship, a sunny day, a good cup of coffee, anything at all. At night, jot them down. By doing this for just one week, you can boost your entire mood for up to 6 months.

4-7-8 Breathing: A strong correlation exists between emotions and breathing – the perfect example of mind and body unity. People who are anxious or upset breathe rapid, shallow, noisy and irregular breathes. It’s easier to regulate your breathing than flip a switch on your mood. Try this technique known as 4-7-8 Breathing.

• Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge behind and above your front teeth.
• Exhale through your mouth, making a whooshing sound.
• Close your mouth and inhale deeply through your nose to a silent count of 4.
• Then hold your breath for a count of 7.
• Exhale through the mouth to a count of 8, and make the same whooshing sound.
• Repeat for 4 breath cycles.

Do this twice a day and you’ll be amazed by how easily calm washes over you.