The 5-Minute Power Break          FOR A PRINTABLE VERSION: Click here
by Dr. Phil Maffetone

It’s a long day, often filled with stress. Whether you’re in an office, working at home or on the road, you’re not without help. The 5-Minute Power Break can reduce stress and energize you – in five minutes! And it’s free.

The brain produces powerful alpha waves that can reduce cortisol, our key stress hormone, and balance the nervous system. The 5-Minute Power Break turns on these powerful brain waves and produces other healthy benefits. Here are the five steps:

1. Sit or lie down, and get comfortable.
2. Close your eyes.
3. Place hands or crossed arms relaxed on top of your abdomen (on your bellybutton).
4. Breathe slowly and deeply: Inhale 5-7 seconds and exhale for the same (but don’t force it).
5. Listen to any enjoyable music -- headphones are even better. One of the best songs for this is Rosemary (it's on the music player in the lower left of the website).

Continue this for about five minutes.

Warning: If you start falling asleep it means you’re no longer in alpha but drifting into delta (the sleep wave), which may be indicative of a sleep disorder. In this case, five minutes is too long – stop before drifting off. Even one or two minutes of alpha is a healthy break. You can gradually work up to five minutes as your brain learns to stay in alpha.

The 5-Minute Power Break refreshes and energizes by balancing your physical, chemical and mental/emotional body and brain – especially by controlling stress. Do it twice daily as needed, or more as you can’t overdo it.

Enjoy!

Phil

P.S. Please pass this along to a friend in need.