Health

How to Calm Down Quickly and Increase Energy

When you need to calm down or de-stress, you always hear people say “take a deep breath.” But a deep EXHALE may be more important than a deep INHALE.

Physical therapist Dr. Emily Kiberd says most people think, when it comes to deep breathing, it’s crucial to focus on taking more oxygen IN……But scientists have discovered that stress-relieving, energy-boosting oxygen doesn’t get transferred into the bloodstream until we breathe OUT. 

So, here’s a quick way to calm down and increase your energy: Inhale through your nose for a count of four……Hold it for another4 seconds……Then exhale for 8 seconds. So remember – in through your nose for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 8. That will not only calm your nervous system, but also give you energy at the same time.

What is Cold Water Therapy and Why is it Helpful

USC neuroscientists are now claiming that cold water therapy  can improve our mental health.

Cold water therapy refers to any process where you expose your body to chilled water – ideally at or below 58 degrees Fahrenheit, or 14 degrees Celsius. 

That can include everything from taking an ice-cold bath…… to swimming in the ocean during winter. I try to do this as often as I can stand it and it really does clear out the cobwebs in my brain. 

A lot of athletes and health experts swear by cold water therapy……And multiple studies show that exposure to cold temperatures lowers inflammation, relieves pain, speeds up the metabolism, and improves our immune system!

But there’s something ELSE cold water therapy can do……According to the USC neuroscientists, it can improve our mental health! 

The studies show cold water therapy improves mood, helps alleviate depression, and promotes better focus. Plus the research reveals that getting through a challenge like cold water exposure teaches you how to stay calm in the face of adversity and overcome internal resistance. People who try it say they  feel more confident in the face of ANY challenge.

Ready to give cold water therapy a try yourself? To start, most experts recommend ending your regular showers with a blast of cold water, for as long as you can stand it.