Speed Limit Warning

Image by F.A.C.E. Ministries via Flickr

We have speed limits on the highways to help keep us safe and to conserve energy. We follow those speed limits (give or take 5 MPH) because we fear the consequences of getting caught. What about the speed limits that exist in our bodies? Are we even aware of them? Would we follow them if we were?

According to Helpguide.org, adults need 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night, every night in order to allow our bodies to heal and recover from the normal wear and tear of a day. this includes our nervous system, our brain function and our immune system not to mention our moods, memory and concentration. Try this fun little test to see how alert you are right now! How did you do? Are you less alert than you thought?

How's your breathing? Did you know that the average adult citizen of the United States breathes in and out at the rate of anywhere between 12 to 20 breathes per minute? According to Lumrix.net,

A trained, systematic approach to deep breathing may lower respiration rates in cardiac patients, helping them to maintain healthy blood oxygen levels and become more physically fit. In one study, 15 cardiac patients were assigned to one of two experimental groups. One of the groups learned "complete yoga breathing," a style of respiration that encourages slow, deep breathing at a rate of about six breaths per minute. Those patients continued practicing the breathing method at home for an hour a day. After a month, the patients practicing the breathing technique breathed more slowly, had higher levels of blood oxygen, and performed better on exercise tests.

http://www.lumrix.net/health/Respiratory_rate.html

http://snipurl.com/81p2a

That would mean we are probably averaging half the oxygen saturation we need for more energy, faster metabolisms, and better overall health. How many breathes are you taking in a minute? You can time yourself here. Can you even get yourself to 6 breathes per minute?

How about for one week, you give yourself permission to slow down. Breathe slower and more deeply. Sleep at least 8 hours a night. Think about why we are so willing to obey the speed limit in our cars, but not with our bodies. Maybe part of why we feel so tired all the time is because we actually are so tired all the time. Not enough fuel (oxygen) in, too much fuel spent (lack of sleep) = empty tanks.

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