Greetings,

Striking the right balance! There is no “one-size fits all” formula for a perfect Life-Work balance. Life can change from day to day depending upon our responsibilities and priorities. The right balance will be different when we are single or married, have children, start a new career or are nearing retirement. The key to finding and maintaining the harmony of balance in our everyday lives throughout the span of our lifetime is to develop our ability to remain productive while giving equal attention to resting and restoring ourselves. This requires that we understand the dynamics that one cannot exist without the other. Maintaining balance is paramount to our overall well being, and with this understanding comes the opportunity to incorporate this perspective into all aspects of our lives.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

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.

We are pleased to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website on June 10. It has been substantially reorganized to provide you with a simpler, more effective way to access the information and services we provide. Please visit us at www.beyondthebridge.com. Let us know what you think!

Breathe deeply, Walk daily and Smile!

Please pass this along to your friends, colleagues and family!

With Love, Peace and Light,
Linda Shields, Founder

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