Calming Down During the Holidays - My Favorite Trick

Here is my go-to trick when I need a moment during the holidays:

1. Find yourself a place to be alone for a couple of minutes. The bathroom works well.

2. Decide if you'd like to sit or stand. I like to sit because it is more relaxing for me.

3. Use each thumb to press closed your ears. Don't stick your thumbs *in* your ears, but on the little flap at the front. Not the lobe, the little flap in the middle. If you are doing it right, you'll stop hearing the world around you and will hear "inside your head".

4. Rest your fingertips on your head or use your hands to gently cover your eyes. Either should feel natural if your thumbs are in the correct spot.

5. Breathe 10 slow, deep breaths (ujjayi breathing from yoga is great if you know how). When I do this, my breath starts to sound like the ocean. I picture the ocean, too.

6. When you are finished, release your thumbs. Your ears will feel tingly and I always feel revived.

I think this breathing technique has a name, but for the life of me I don't know what it is. I learned it once, many years ago.

Cheers.