If I’ve learned one thing from sitting in my doggie-house watching my mommy teach you how to do all those crazy poses, it’s that breathing is the most important tool we have for relieving stress (I know it certainly helps me to de-stress whenever I see some cheeky cat walking by!).

Remember that the breath is the most powerful tool we have for changing how we react to situations. If we are holding our breath, or breathing a shallow, inverted breath, we are sending the message to our brains and therefore to our bodies that we are in “fight or flight” mode. When your brain and body are in this stressed-out mode, you are not in a position to think in a clear and focused manner. Your brain is just sending the necessary messages to your body to help you survive for the short term.

When we fail to breathe and live in a constant state of stress, we actually become less productive because we don’t have the ability to focus. In addition, staying for prolonged periods of time in this stressed-out mode taxes your immune system, and actually deprives all the organs of your body of oxygen and vital nutrients. So the next time you’re stuck in traffic or in line at the grocery store, don’t be frustrated, just take a deep breath!

Remember that you can’t always change potentially stressful situations, but you can change your patterns of adversely reacting to them, and use them as a tool for growth.

Now be sure to print this page out and display it prominently in your office or on your refrigerator so that you can be reminded to breathe and stay inspired all week long! And be on the look-out for other fun tips that I’ve picked up by watching you guys practice yoga – you will be amazed at just how wise a tiny little Chihuahua can be!

Namaste,
Tiki

P.S. My mommy and I are going to be featured this week in a column called “Canines and Their Companions.” Be sure to check it out at www.HoustonDogBlog.com and learn even more fun tips from your favorite yoga-dog. See you in class!