Health Beat

Humans are vessels of contradiction. We avow our love for someone and then do something hurtful. We dedicate ourselves to a mission and then take an action in the opposite direction. I love fruits, veggies, and grains but I loathe yoga. What? Well, you’d figure if I so enjoy eating a more natural diet I would also enjoy the whole-body practice of yoga. That’s an assumption, something else humans are quick to do. However, like a wholesome diet, yoga is good for the body and soul and during this turbulent time, it holds a particular lesson we could all benefit from: breathing. Yeah, yeah, we all breathe. True, but not mindful, intentional breaths, which are proven to help us calm down. So, as the stress of the pandemic and the elections have your shoulders up around your ears, why not take a few moments at least once a day to stop and breathe in slowly. Feel the breath. Hear the breath. Then slowly let it out. Repeat three times, at least. I recently spoke with neuroscientist, Alicia Ann Walf, PH.D. from RPI. As she pointed out, chronic stress can damage our brains by destroying neurons, interfere with our ability to concentrate. Her number one recommendation to chill, you guessed it, mindful breathing. It doesn’t cost a penny, you can do it anywhere, and I’m convinced it’s leading me to find the joy in yoga. I told you, we’re vessels of contradictions.

Benita Zahn, Dps-bioethics

518 -207- 4820 / Bzahn@wnyt.com Facebook.com/ benitazahn Instagram.com/ benitatv13

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