Do you feel that at times everything is in a state of flux, that you oscillate between Everything's fine! and OMG! total loss of control?

We live in^4th gear and we do several things at the same time. From morning to night!

In fact, not so long ago, we used to WATCH a movie.

Now, we LISTEN to a movie with a distracted ear and a very partial attention because this attention is fragmented between the movie, the "beeps" of the notifications, our cell phones, our tablets and other such gadgets.

A brain on nitro

If you're wondering why it's hard to fall asleep at night and your sleep is light, it's probably because your brain (which requires 20% of your energy) is on nitro mode all day and even into the evening!

... while you're LISTENING to a movie or a TV show. Hello relaxation!!! (cynical tone)

Brain activity and sleep

In fact, a study on rats showed that brain activity did not stop when they completed a maze. On the contrary, an EEG showed high brain activity during the first sleep cycle after completing the course.

No relaxation = no restful sleep

The functions of sleep are to repair tissues, cleanse the brain of beta-amyloid proteins and help it retain the day's learning .

That's simplifying the functions of sleep, but it's not trivial. These functions are crucial to maintaining life and memory.

If you've already pulled an all-nighter, it's unlikely you'll remember the events of the previous day.

FACT: No one can relax for you.

If you don't relax, who else is going to do it for you?

Have you ever noticed that holding your breath is the first thing that happens when you are shocked, surprised, stressed?

Guess what can help you regain control over your emotions, stress and even anxiety?

Your breathing!

You breathe. You're doing it right now. But you've forgotten how to do it and how helpful it is to relieve stress and regain control over an anxiety attack that's coming on.

I do yoga every morning and have 10 years of taichi and meditation behind the tie.

I've used all of these tools to get through a lot.

So when I suggest you slow down and watch the snow fall or breathe while you brew your tea, I know what I'm talking about.

Shall we try it?

Breathe in on a slow count of 5. If you can, close your eyes and breathe in by "bringing" your breath into your belly.

Hold for 2 seconds. Exhale slowly for 7 seconds.

And relax your shoulders. They don't belong next to your ears.

...

It's magic, isn't it? If you feel adventurous, repeat this two more times!

You'll notice that the palpitations stop, your shoulders relax, your thoughts get organized and you feel like smiling again.

Good for you! Relaxing requires a minimum of time and practice. But believe me, it's worth it to persevere!

If you need a little help to relax, the herbal teas in the Relaxation Collection will help you.

For a good night's sleep, I suggest the new Sleep Max with Valerian or Deep Sleep with Passionflower.