To Do: Breathe

As if I needed another reason to not buy skinny jeans.

Thanks to lifehacker, I was introduced to an article in Psychology Today that addresses ten everyday things that decrease our energy.  The first thing that they address is tight clothing.  Step away from the spanx!  Why?  Tighter clothing restricts normal breathing and this ultimately decreases the oxygen travelling throughout our bodies -- the oxygen our bodies need to maintain energy.

This thing about breathing reminded me of doing research for a staff meeting on stress management. The number one reason that staff gave for not incorporating stress management strategies into their daily lives is that they don't have enough time and/or money.  I provided this article at the staff meeting:  Breathing for Busy Folks -- 5 Step Stress Relief Practice  Even if you have no extra time or money, you can begin a stress management practice that will benefit your physical, mental and emotional well being.

Soapbox moment: I am tired of stress being equated with success.  These things are not interchangeable.  Being busy and stressed out certainly doesn't make me a more successful or better person.  I am working on addressing the roots of my stress as opposed to sitting with the stress after it has arrived.

On a related note, I will be returning to the gym today after a much too long hiatus.  I figure that losing a few pounds is a lot cheaper than buying a whole new wardrobe and that the deep breathing is bound to do me some good.

Here is the full Psychology Today article on energy zappers.