Super-fast stress relief
You know that stress is the No. 1 cause of premature aging, and you want it to go away! But you can't seem to find the time to do whatever it is that would make you feel calmer and more relaxed. Tai chi? Mindful meditation? Running? Hanging out with friends? Doing a project that has deep meaning to you? That's a lot of pressure!
Well, guess what the American College of Emergency Physicians suggests? (And managing stress is an emergency, with almost half of Americans feeling overwrought every day.)
One-minute stressbusters.
There's a lot of evidence that 60 seconds (or less) of various breathing exercises, conscious muscle relaxation, and fanciful imagining dispels anxiety and makes significant changes to your body chemistry -- tamping down cortisol levels, lowering blood pressure, slowing your heart rate and relaxing muscle tension.
So, in the middle of a busy day, find a minute -- or a moment -- to stop, breathe in for a count of four, then take a second deep breath on top of that (put your hand on your belly button to check that the air is inflating your torso) and then breathe out for a count of four. Repeat six times. Or take a 1-minute mini-vacation. Close your eyes and imagine a beautiful, peaceful scene. Feel the sun and gentle breezes on your skin. Smell the air. Then return to the present, refreshed. And there are many other stressless stress-busting techniques -- discover your favorite in my book "YOU Breathing Easy: Meditation and Breathing Techniques to Relax, Refresh and Revitalize."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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