Family

Inextricably Linked: Your Breath and Your Life

No matter how hectic your day, you always have a few moments to take a deep breath

Published

6 months ago

October 6, 2022

Jeff Davidson

Breathing is as essential to human life as food and water. While most people know this simple fact, few take time to think about the importance of the way they breathe.

Breathing is also important on a mental, spiritual, and emotional level. Proper breathing can be a means of achieving relaxation, balance, and peace in an increasingly hectic, over-anxious world. It goes hand-in-hand with mindfulness.

Deep Breathing

Deep, diaphragmatic breathing is an important stress reducer for everyone. The simplest metaphor that I can offer is this: Imagine that there is a balloon in your stomach. As you inhale, you fill up the balloon. As you exhale, you deflate the balloon. Inhale; exhale. In both cases, there’s no need to rush. The balloon can fill slowly, and empty slowly. Your chest and shoulders do not need to be a part of the process and it’s much better if they’re not. As you achieve deep diaphragmatic breaths, your chest and whole torso will move, but they are not actively involved in the process.

Another way to understand diaphragmatic breathing, especially if you haven’t been doing it, is to simply lie on the floor. Now, breath as you normally would, while placing one or both hands over your stomach, near your navel.

Do you feel that up and down motion? That’s it; you’re doing diaphragmatic breathing through your abdomen!

Why don’t you do this all the time? Other than when you’re lying down, if you are excited, tense, or in a hurry, it’s easy to slip into a nonproductive routine, raising your shoulders, expanding your chest, and letting these areas be the driving forces behind your breathing. If you’ve been engaged in vigorous athletic activity, you may resort to using your chest and upper torso in combination with your abdomen to gain more oxygen into your lungs faster. This is understandable. At a more normal heart rate, however, deep diaphragmatic breathing is best for all homo sapiens.

Fresh Air

Fresh air can help you achieve measurably lower levels of stress, oxygenate your tissues, improve circulation, increase alertness, diminish muscle tension, and reduce anxiety. If you live in an area where the air quality is poor you’re missing out.

Your best strategy may be to take frequent trips out of town, away from traffic, and away from population centers. Scramble to the top of a small mountain where the air is clear and clean, but not necessarily thin. Or, take a walk in the woods, where trees and plants take in nitrogen and return oxygen to the atmosphere. Fresh air combined with a brisk walk is a powerful combination.

Getting Some Time to Breathe at Work

When you arrive at work in the morning, particularly if you’ve arrived before the rest of the office, you have the best opportunity for concentrating on your breathing. While doing so, you may or may not envision how you would like your day to go.

If you don’t work outside of the home, when everyone else has departed, give yourself a few minutes to undertake the same type of exercise. If you stay home with children or other household occupants, carving out a few minutes for yourself during the early morning is even more crucial.

At work, at home, and everywhere in between, take a few minutes before lunch, while seated, to relax, take some deep breaths, acknowledge yourself for what you’ve accomplished this morning, and contemplate how good it will be to eat lunch. Once you’re actually eating lunch, carefully and slowly chew your food.

Eat at a leisurely pace. How you eat your food is as vital as what you eat. Even if you’re eating high quality, highly nutritious food, if you wolf it down, you’ll gain few, if any, of the presumed benefits. By contrast, food not nearly so nutritious, consumed at a comfortable, unhurried pace can yield far more nutritional benefits.

Linger for a moment after lunch. No matter how hectic your day is otherwise, you always have a couple of extra minutes following lunch to give your digestive system a little bit more help, take some deep breaths, and maintain a relatively sane pace.

Pause daily for a few minutes. Perhaps the biggest obstacle to making life simpler is the unwillingness to allow it to occur. Many people simply do not give themselves permission to achieve a sense of balance, take a deep breath, and then proceed. Paradoxically, every single shred of wisdom on the issue indicates that everybody will be more effective each day, if they simply pause for a minute a couple of times each day. This could be done every morning and afternoon – coming back from the water cooler or rest room, before lunch, or returning from lunch.

Criss Cross

Years ago, when Maria Shriver was co-hosting one of the morning talk show in New York, she would fly in each week from her home in California and return at the end of the week. Criss-crossing the United States on nearly 100 trips per year is a considerable amount of travel, not to mention disruption. Shriver minimized the effects of thousands of miles in the air and maintained balance in her daily life.

Each Friday evening, when heading back to California, she took the same flight, from the same airport, on the same airline, leaving from the same gate, at the same hour. She even reserved the same seat. She often flew with the same pilots and same flight crew, and occasionally, the same passengers.

Rather than having the need to be physically back at her house or touching down at the Los Angeles International Airport before taking that metaphorical deep breath, she felt at home and relaxed when she boarded the plane. In essence, she minimized the effects of a rigorous schedule by transforming her seat in the sky into a welcomed sanctuary. She was home in that seat. You can achieve a similarly successful transition from work to home.

“Revving Down”

Career-climbing types who arrive home still mentally immersed in the affairs of the work day and revving at the pace of business might have difficulty relating to members of their family. You might need to let your internal engine “rev down” by taking a deep breath following work, before proceeding to interact with your family.

Doing something mentally or physically rewarding before dinner can also increase relaxation. If for only five minutes, sit in a chair and reflect on the day, and take deep breaths. This could make all the difference in having an enjoyable dinner and rest of the evening. Avoid flipping on the TV or radio, web surfing, or reading the newspaper or a magazine if these activities divert attention away from family.

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Elections

AI Says Women Should be Republicans!

When asked, This is What ChatGPT Wrote…

Published

2 weeks ago

March 18, 2023

News Staff

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We asked ChatGPT why women should be Republicans and here is what it generated (Screenshot below the article):

The Republican Party has long been committed to promoting policies that empower and benefit women. From supporting pro-life policies to promoting job growth and economic opportunities, Republicans understand the unique challenges facing women in America today and are dedicated to creating a better future for them. In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why Republican policies are better for women and why more women should consider aligning themselves with the Republican Party.

First and foremost, Republicans stand for the protection of life, which is a critical issue for women. The Republican Party is pro-life and believes in protecting the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. This stance is especially important for women who find themselves in difficult situations and need support. Republicans believe in offering resources, counseling, and adoption services to women who may be considering abortion. This compassionate approach shows that Republicans are not only pro-life but also pro-woman.

Furthermore, Republicans understand the value of strong families, which is especially important for women. Women often bear the brunt of family responsibilities and depend on strong support systems to help them balance work and family life. Republicans recognize that strong families are the cornerstone of a healthy society, and they support policies that promote family stability, such as tax cuts for families, pro-family legislation, and support for stay-at-home moms.

Republicans also believe in promoting economic opportunities for women. The Republican Party understands that women need good jobs to support themselves and their families. Republicans believe in promoting job growth and creating a strong economy that benefits everyone, including women. The Republican tax plan, which was signed into law by President Trump in 2017, has already created millions of new jobs and raised wages for millions of workers, including women.

Additionally, Republicans are committed to supporting small businesses, which are often owned and operated by women. Republicans understand that small businesses are the backbone of the American economy and that women are an essential part of that backbone. Republicans believe in reducing regulations and lowering taxes on small businesses, which allows them to grow and create jobs, benefiting women and their families.

Republicans also believe in promoting education and job training for women. Republicans understand that education and training are essential for women to achieve their career goals and succeed in the workforce. Republicans support school choice, which allows parents to choose the best educational options for their children, including private and charter schools. Republicans also support vocational training programs, which provide women with the skills they need to succeed in high-demand fields, such as healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.

Republicans also believe in protecting women from harm, both at home and abroad. Republicans support policies that protect women from domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Republicans also support a strong national defense and believe in promoting peace through strength. Republicans understand that a strong military is essential for protecting women from foreign threats and ensuring that the United States remains a global leader in promoting freedom and democracy.

In conclusion, Republican policies are better for women because they promote a culture of life, support strong families, create economic opportunities, promote education and job training, and protect women from harm. Republicans understand that women are an essential part of our society and that they deserve equal opportunities to succeed and thrive. If you are a woman who values life, family, and opportunity, we encourage you to consider aligning yourself with the Republican Party. Together, we can build a brighter future for women and their families.

Faith

Sex Before Marriage? Secular Research Shows You Should Wait

Published

2 weeks ago

March 16, 2023

News Staff

The topic of premarital sex is one that has been heavily debated for years, with strong opinions on both sides of the argument. However, when it comes to the best approach for long-term physical, emotional, and psychological health, the evidence seems to point towards waiting until marriage. In this article, we will examine the reasons why it is best to not have sex before marriage, backed by studies and statistics.

Physical Health
Firstly, let’s examine the physical health aspects of premarital sex. One of the most significant dangers associated with premarital sex is the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 20 million new cases of STIs in the United States every year. This is a staggering number that highlights the importance of taking preventative measures when it comes to sexual health.

While condoms can significantly reduce the risk of contracting STIs, they are not foolproof. According to a study published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases, condom use was associated with a lower risk of STIs, but the risk was still present. The study found that individuals who used condoms consistently still had a 10-15% chance of contracting an STI.

Another physical health risk associated with premarital sex is unintended pregnancy. While there are numerous forms of birth control available, none are 100% effective, and accidental pregnancies can and do occur. According to the Guttmacher Institute, almost half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended. This can have significant emotional and financial consequences for individuals who are not prepared to have a child.

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Emotional Health
The emotional health consequences of premarital sex are equally as important to consider. Many people believe that engaging in sexual activity before marriage can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying relationship. However, research suggests that the opposite may be true.

According to a study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, individuals who engaged in premarital sex reported lower levels of relationship satisfaction and higher levels of instability than those who waited until marriage. This is likely due to the fact that individuals who engage in premarital sex may have a more casual attitude towards sex and relationships, leading to a lack of emotional commitment.

Another emotional health consequence of premarital sex is the potential for sexual regret. According to a study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, individuals who engaged in premarital sex were more likely to experience sexual regret than those who waited until marriage. This regret can lead to feelings of shame and guilt, which can have long-term effects on an individual’s emotional wellbeing.

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Psychological Health
Finally, let’s examine the psychological health consequences of premarital sex. One of the most significant concerns is the potential for depression and anxiety. According to a study published in the Journal of Sex Research, individuals who engaged in premarital sex reported higher levels of anxiety and depression than those who waited until marriage. This is likely due to the emotional and physical risks associated with sexual activity outside of a committed relationship.

Another psychological health concern associated with premarital sex is the potential for a lack of self-esteem. According to a study published in the Journal of Family Psychology, individuals who engaged in premarital sex reported lower levels of self-esteem than those who waited until marriage. This lack of self-esteem can have long-term consequences on an individual’s mental health and overall wellbeing.

In conclusion, the evidence suggests that this approach may be beneficial in several ways. By avoiding sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, and negative emotional consequences, individuals who wait until marriage to have sex may be able to lead happier and healthier lives. Furthermore, research has shown that premarital sex can have negative effects on relationship quality and satisfaction, especially for individuals who place a high value on religion and traditional values. Ultimately, the decision of when to have sex is a personal one that should be made based on one’s own values and beliefs. However, those who are considering waiting until marriage to have sex may find comfort in knowing that the evidence suggests that this approach can have a positive impact on their physical and emotional well-being, as well as on the health of their future relationships.

NOTES:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/stats.htm

Warner, L., Stone, K. M., Macaluso, M., Buehler, J. W., Austin, H. D., & Hook, E. W. III. (2008). Condom use and risk of gonorrhea and chlamydia: A systematic review of design and measurement factors assessed in epidemiologic studies. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 35(5), 436-443.

Guttmacher Institute. (2019). Unintended pregnancy in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/unintended-pregnancy-united-states

Willoughby, B. J., Carroll, J. S., Busby, D. M., & Brown, C. C. (2014). The impact of religiosity on the association between premarital sex and relationship satisfaction. Journal of Marriage and Family, 76(2), 429-438.

Barry, C. M., Madsen, S. D., Nelson, L. J., Carroll, J. S., & Badger, S. (2009). Friendship and romantic relationship qualities in emerging adulthood: Differential associations with sexual activity and contraceptive use. Journal of Sex Research, 46(5), 419-430.

Lambert, N. M., Kahn, A. S., & Appleby, P. R. (2003). Placing sex in context: The influence of relationship quality on women’s sexual satisfaction. Journal of Sex Research, 40(1), 108-112.

Lambert, N. M., & Dollahite, D. C. (2006). How religiosity helps couples prevent and resolve marital conflict: A longitudinal investigation. Family Relations, 55(4), 439-449.

Regnerus, M. D., & Uecker, J. E. (2011). Premarital sex in America: How young Americans meet, mate, and think about marrying. Oxford University Press.