Day 18 | Breath of Thanks

Minty fresh breath is beneficial  to those around you - and beneficial to your body, too. The American Cancer Society notes the benefits of peppermint oil for treating ailments of the lungs, while recent research shows that the herb may help athletes breathe better. In an Iranian study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, participants who drank water spiked with peppermint essential oil had improved respiratory rates, probably because of the way the mint relaxed their bronchial muscles. In traditional Chinese medicine lungs correlate with processing grief or sadness and the idea of lost time.

Presence Pause: Behind all your doings is you - independent of your gains, goals and perceived obligations. The true you shows up when you give up doing for awhile. Even if its hard to not do, catch your breath and simply sit and thank yourself for being. Thank yourself for being so much more than you can prove by doing and saying stuff to others. Sip some minty tea, breathe and be YOU to the fullest. 

Action:

Brew some fresh peppermint tea and both sip and inhale deeply…

Or invest in your deep respiration with some pure essential peppermint oil.  Add 3 to 4 drops to hot water for inhalation, which is the dosage recommended by the American Cancer Society. 

Thank yourself for being. Gratitude helps us be in the present as does deep breathing. When you experience the here and now, it eases stress.