5 Thought Friday
Longevity can be predicted by the sit/stand test, speed of walking, push-up ability, and maybe even our focus on breathing. Check it out in this week’s 5 Thoughts.
1. What I am currently reading, viewing or listening to:
“Breath; James Nestor
Breath was recommended by a new colleague from Las Vegas, Boris. It was totally in line with the SleepMindHeart philosophy, so I decided to give it a read!
“This book is a scientific adventure into the lost art of breathing. It explores the transformation that occurs inside our bodies… It explains how the billions of molecules you bring in with each breath have built your bones, sheaths of muscle, blood, brains, and organs, and the emerging science of how these microscopic bits will influence your health and happiness tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, and decades from now.” James Nestor
2. Gratitude Practice (for improved happiness):
Irene and I were able to recently share our gratitude with friends/colleagues over Spanish tapas and a few bottles of wine! Truly a really relaxing and awesome evening out.
3. Wellness ideas to consider:
I read an article recently that talked about how being able to sit down and then stand up, with crossed legs and not using your hands or knees, predicted longevity.
I didn’t write about it until I could do it myself, which took about 10 weeks of training (said embarrassingly). While there is some truth to the test, take a look at other predictors of longevity including walking speed and ability to do push-ups in THIS article.
In summary, stay active, strong, and flexible, and you have a greater chance to live longer.
4. What I’m eating, drinking, buying, or whatever else is on my mind:
Stumbled upon a treasure trove of spices to compliment our Mediterranean inspired cooking. Do not be afraid to experiment with your spices if that’s what you want, what you really really want! Wow, that 1996 Spice reference is aging me for sure….hahaha!
5. Quote(s) I am Pondering:
“The key to optimum breathing, and all the health, endurance, and longevity benefits that come with it, is to practice fewer inhales and exhales in a smaller volume. To breathe, but to breathe less. “ James Nestor
I can align with this thought, but Nestor also noted that “The perfect breath is this: Breathe in for about 5.5 seconds, then exhale for 5.5 seconds. That’s 5.5 breaths a minute for a total of about 5.5 liters of air.”
This one is hard for me to comprehend as I currently average 15 to 17 breaths per minute at rest. Gonna need to study this a bit more!
Happy Friday!
Mike
