Health tip to increase mental clarity, raise your energy and burn calories at the same time. Whether out for a stroll or walking across town to your next meeting, try this combination of exercise and breath with brain coordination. Adding a focused breath pattern and hand movement to your walking increases the benefits for good health. Different breathing patterns send different codes to the body and brain.

• Establish your breath pattern. Inhale (nose) in four equal segments (4 sniffs) and Exhale (nose) in four equal segments, pulling your navel in on each exhale segment.


• Synchronize your steps with this 1-2-3-4 count breath pattern for each inhale and 1-2-3-4 count for each exhale (total of 8). Start with a slow normal pace; establish your rhythm and gradually pick up the pace. Once you feel comfortable with your steps and breath in synchronization, go to step 3.


• Tap your fingertips in sequence. Tap your thumb tip to your index finger tip, then thumb tip to middle finger tip, thumb tip to ring finger tip, thumb tip to pinky tip - internally counting 1-2-3-4 in synchronization with each step and segmented breath, repeating the cycle continuously.

This takes a bit of practice. You can begin by practicing each step separately to build your foundation by first establishing the breath, then adding your steps and lastly the hand movements. Each part has its own benefits but by combining all three maximizes the benefits. Doing this throughout the day, even for a few minutes at a time, has a cumulative effect. Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any exercise program.