Breathe

"Doing this (this breathing exercise) will induce a feeling of serenity," Dr. Andrew Weil

We hear it from a lot of places:  breathe.  We are told breathing supports our physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual selves.  It would seem that breathing correctly would be inherent for us, but some suggest it is not -- or, perhaps more correctly, some suggest that living with stress impedes our natural ability to breathe deeply.  Dr. Weil suggests a daily exercise of what he calls "4-7-8" breathing.  The steps are:
1.  Rest tip of tongue on roof of mouth
2.  Exhale completely through your mouth with lips slightly pursed to make a whoosh sound.
3.  Close mouth and inhale deeply and slowly through your nose to a silent count of 4.
4.  Keep mouth closed and gently retain your breath for a silent count of 7.
5.  Exhale slowly through open mouth for count of 8, making the same whoosh sound.
6.  Repeat for a total of 4 breaths twice daily.

In this task of caregiving - or in any stressful life situation, this breathing exercise could be an important and easy tool of support.