The seven habits that change your life are excerpted from my book "Body Intelligence", how to Think Outside Your Brain and connect to your multi-dimensional self. Abdominal Breathing The first habit that awakens you and gives you the courage to live life full-on is forcefully breathing out from your lower abdomen. If you want to live the life of your dreams, you must breathe enough oxygen to imagine your self in the dream. Big life need big breath. Small breath forces you into a small life. It is just that simple. Correct Posture and Gait " Move into the integrity of your upper back (with its ribs, shoulder blade, breast plate and collar bones). Feel the lightness of your head lifting up into that sweet spot and rocking slightly forward. Most of the time your feet need to be parallel. " The rest of this section (Wellness Habits) is incomplete as of May 14, 2009 Working at a Desk " Take frequent stretch breaks if you have to sit for a long time. " Sit with your knees at a 90-120-degree angle. An angled footrest may help you feel more comfortable. " Make sure your chair fits correctly. Allow for two inches between the front edge of the seat and the back of your knees. " Keep your head erect while you're reading what is on your computer screen. " Your head should be looking slightly downward to avoid neck fatigue. Lifting " Avoid twisting and turning motions when you lift. If you have to turn to place the object, step in the direction of the turn, don't just twist at the waist. " Always bend at your knees, not your waist, when lifting anything. Lift everything as if it is heavy. " Keep your feet parallel, even if one foot is forward of the other. Really stick your buttocks out backward as you lift. Keep your torso erect. Be sure to lift with the big muscles of your thighs, arms, and shoulders, not with your back. " In some situations, it is difficult to lift correctly. Getting grocery bags out of the car is one such situation. The car bumper doesn't allow you to bend your knees. Bring the bag to you first and then lift carefully. Do not jerk something up that is too heavy to lift. Make more trips instead of trying to cary too much in one trip. " 90% of your injuries are caused by 1% of your activities, and can be avoided by only a few extra minutes out of a busy day. " To avoid tripping, be sure your path is clear before you lift the item. Physical Activity / Household Chores " For you weekend warriors, warm up and cool down before and after physical activity like playing sports, raking, gardening, and shoveling snow. " Be aware of your posture and breathing abdominally. " When washing dishes, lean against the counter for support. " When ironing, place one foot on a small stool or a book. Using the Telephone " When using the telephone, avoid cradling the receiver between your neck and shoulder. Hold the phone in your hand or use speakerphone instead. " If you use the phone a lot, use a lightweight headset. " Switch hands frequently when on the phone. Resting/Sleeping " Don't use a sofa arm as a pillow or watch TV in bed with your head supported only by pillows; this strains your neck. " Avoid sleeping on a soft mattress or sofa. " Lie down in bed when it is time to sleep. Don't sleep in a chair or in cramped quarters. " Sleep on your side with your knees bent or on your back with a pillow under your knees. Avoid sleeping on your stomach. " Use a pillow that supports your head so that your neck and vertebrae are level with the rest of your spine as you sleep. Avoid sleeping on two pillows. " Be sure to get plenty of sleep every day to allow your body to rest and recuperate. |
