Recently I’ve been going through something rather difficult. I looked for anything to help lift my spirits while trying to stay healthy and present through this challenging time. I found smiling works! It honestly makes me feel better. Yeah, at first it feels awkward, fake smiling, but try it while you are doing your morning routine. I’ve added it to my meditation and it has made a big difference.

Here are a few smiling benefits I have found!

•  Better Mood – The endorphins do more than kick stress to the curb. Endorphins lift your mood. Feeling down? Slap a smile on your face, even if it isn’t entirely genuine at first, and turn your entire day around with something simple, easy to do, and free.
• Reduce Stress – Stress is a common problem in the modern world that causes a myriad of health problems. Stress relief may be as simple as smiling a little more throughout the day. Smiling releases endorphins that counteract and diminish the stress hormones
• Increase Productivity – Smiling has been shown to increase productivity while performing tasks. There’s truth to the “whistle while we work” mentality. This also explains why silly internet memes and pictures of cute animals can actually get people motivated and working harder after a few moments of smiling or laughter.
• Kill Pain – Smiling and laughter both have been shown to lessen pain. They release endorphins that lift our moods, but many of these act as natural painkillers too.
• Boost Immune System – Smiles help the body relax and this lets the immune system react more quickly and effectively against invaders.

To see more benefits of smiling check out

 http://www.sunwarrior.com/news/15-health-benefits-of-smiling/#sthash.IT0vOTuI.dpuf

When is the last time you focused on your breath? Think about it… For most of us it is never! We go through life breathing unconsciously and not even realizing how powerful our lungs are. Obviously oxygen is powerful. It gives us life. What if we used both our lungs and the oxygen as a stress reliever tool? You don’t need pills, drugs, or herbs to calm your mind and body. Check this: If we took a little time (at least five minutes) out of our day to focus on oxygen entering our lugs and how long we can hold it in, we would dramatically reduce any stress-related illnesses. We can literally use our breath as a natural healing tool. Our lungs are like a stress reliever tool box! How freaking cool is that!!? Here are two of my favorite, most powerful breathing techniques I use to keep calm through this sometimes stressful life.

Nadi Shodhana or “Alternate Nostril Breathing”
One of my favorites, this breath is said to bring calm and balance to your life, while uniting the right and left sides of the brain. Start in a comfortable meditative pose, hold the right thumb over the right nostril and inhale deeply through the left nostril. At the peak of inhalation, close off the left nostril with the ring finger, then exhale through the right nostril. Continue the pattern, inhaling through the right nostril, closing it off with the right thumb and exhaling through the left nostril.
Good Morning! Nadi shodhana is said to clear your mind and make you feel more awake. It’s like a cup of coffee without the caffeine or calories.

Sama Vritti or “Equal Breathing”
This is perfect to balance your mind and body. Begin with an inhale for a count of four, then exhale for a count of four *all through the nose, which adds a natural resistance to the breath. Each day gradually add a count and eventually you will get up to eight for maximum relaxation. This breathing exercise will calm the nervous system, increase focus and reduce stress.
Good Night! This technique is perfect before bed. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, try Sama Vritti. I promise it will calm your mind from all those racing thoughts.