Pick Yourself Up from the Mid-Afternoon Slump
Note: Dr. Mramor will be appearing on the premiere of former WTAE-TV personality/anchorwoman Jennifer Antkowiak's new weekly show Jennifer, to discuss this very topic in front of a live studio audience. Tune in at 11:00 AM this Sunday, June 3rd, Pittsburgh's WTAE- TV (Channel 4), to see the show! This is a nationally-televised show, so if you're not in the Pittsburgh area, check your local listings.
 Everyone has had those days in the middle of the afternoon when you think you just can't go on anymore, and feel either sleepy or anxious about you have to do. There are several ways to supercharge the end of your day and be more effective than you ever dreamed!
Let's talk about AIR, WATER, BRAIN ACTIVATION, AND MOVEMENT.
First, take in some air. We all tend to hold our breath or breathe shallowly under stress, and then the flow of oxygen to the body and brain is blocked. This deprivation causes tiredness and feelings of a lack of brain power. Begin breathing...
- through the nose
- deep into the diaphragm right around the navel
- deeply and evenly
...to activate the power of the breath for energy
Second, drink water. Water activates the entire brain! Use water all day to keep the brain active and alert. The positive benefits of hydration for activating the mind are some of the easiest and best ones to keep going during the day. Water activates the brain and keeps it active. Any other drink with flavor will activate the digestion and NOT the brain and will pull energy away from thoughts and problem-solving.
Brain Activation can be done in many ways. One way is to put the fingertips together and think about a project or problem you are trying to solve. When you think about the issue, the fingertip connection activates the brain and jumpstarts the brain into a problem-solving mode. You will notice that instead of worrying about the problem, you will start to generate solutions and move toward a resolution, eliminating the drain of the worry that was dragging you down.
Movement creates a brain-body connection that accelerates energy and focus. Take a walk around the office, go and get some water (solves two problems!) or try this exercise to get the mind going: Raise one arm up alongside the ear. Take the opposite hand, wrap it around the upper arm and pull the arm toward the head. Take a couple of breaths while holding this stretch. Then switch sides and do the other arm.
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Spiritual Fitness Book 
Relaxation & Meditation for Adults & Children
