Your Happiness Factor

What is box breathing? Box breathing is a simple yet powerful breathing technique that can help you to relax, focus, and manage stress. It is also known as square breathing or 4-7-8 breathing. To do box breathing, follow these steps: Find a comfortable position where you can sit or lie down with your back straight. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Breathe in through your nose for a count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Breathe out through your mouth for a count of eight. Repeat steps 3-5 for a total of four rounds. As you breathe, focus on the rise and fall of your stomach. If you find your mind wandering, gently bring it back to your breath. Benefits of box breathing Box breathing has been shown to have a number of benefits, including: Reducing stress and anxiety Improving focus and concentration Reducing blood pressure Slowing heart rate Promoting relaxation and sleep How to use box breathing Box breathing can be used in a variety of sett

Lower Your Blood Pressure With Isometric Exercises Recently researchers from the American Heart Association looked at ways to lower blood  pressure . They were surprised to find that doing a series of isometric hand-grip exercises lowered blood pressure by 10%! The exercises are very simple; just hold a stress ball (or any toy foam ball) in your hand and squeeze firmly for 10 seconds, breathing deeply and evenly. Rest and repeat five times. You can buy foam balls in toy shop but I rather like squeezy Stress Ball Paul from Amazon. And some find him very helpful in other ways; "He sits on my desk and inspires me not to let certain people get to me. He reminds me that I'm not that person who gives in anymore. I am stronger." Wendy is the The Career Coach - helping you to find fresh perspectives on your Job Search and Career. She helps you work towards your goals and aspirations, in a way that fits in with both work and home life. Email her at  wendymason@w

Everyone smiles in the same language. (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Smiling Makes You Beautiful! I've never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful. -  Author Unknown  Research has shown that smiling makes you feel better.   Not only that, smiling boosts your immune system. So if you are feeling down - the weather is rotten, you feel chilly and you don't want to catch that cold, smile and smile again.  It will help you to get through the day!   Smiling helps you feel less stressed too and it actually seems to lower blood pressure!  The muscles you use when you smile help your face to look younger.  A smile makes everyone and anyone look more approachable.  So take your confidence and your smile and make friends - smile and most people will smile back!  You can, make someone's day with a smile. I started with a quote so I'll finish with one too!  No one knows who wrote this.  It is just someone's anonymous gift to the world.  And whoever you are