MODERN MANNERS

BREATHE

When you’re overloaded with stress, you tend to breathe in a shallow way, not fully emptying your lungs. This just creates more tension in your body. Lengthening your exhale can stimulate your body’s ability to relax and release stress. Put your hand on your upper chest. Take a breath, then exhale with the feeling and sound of a sigh of relief: “Aahhhh.” Notice how your chest softens downward under your hand as air flows out. Do this a couple of more times and think about your lungs releasing toxins and stale air, creating more space for fresh air. Then inhale, and on the exhale whisper, “La, la, la, la…” for the length of the exhale. (This helps carry air out of your body.) Feel the air emptying out. Let each inhale come naturally, whenever it arrives, allowing your abdomen to soften each time. Repeat until you feel your whole body softening. How are you feeling? You may notice your breath

Photograph by Ilan Rubin

THIS MONTH’S EXPERT

MARGARET TOWNSEND

is a certified breathwork and Hakomi practitioner in the Portland, Oregon, area. She has taught there for 25 years, blending her training in shiatsu, reiki, qigong, yoga, and other disciplines. Find her at thelivingbreath.com.

emptying more completely, without any force. Enjoy this, following each breath all the way to the end and as it comes in effortlessly. Then let your hands rest in your lap and your body and mind rest in the nourishing space you just created.

BRIGHT IDEAS

OFFERS

EVENTS

FINDS

GIVEAWAYS

TOAST TO A BETTER MORNING AND ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN

Start your morning off right with Pepperidge Farm® Swirl bread and Cozi, the free, musthave organizing app for every member of the family. We’re giving away 150 yearlong upgrades to Cozi Gold, the ad-free version that includes premium features and VIP customer support (a $29.99 value). For entry details and Off icial Rules, visit realsimple.com/cozisweeps between 2/1/15 and 3/12/15.

Sponsor: TI Media Solutions Inc.,1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.

WEDDINGS WELL SENT

Express your personal style and make a beautiful impression before and after your Big Day with the Real Simple collection of wedding stationery, available exclusively at FineStationery.com. From now until 5/31/15, get 15% off with code WEDDINGRS. Shop today at FineStationery.com/realsimple.

TOP EVERYTHING

Add a fresh twist to any meal with PeakFection™ Guacamoles and Salsas. A state-of-the-art pressurized, cold-water process captures ripe, fresh ingredients at the peak of perfection so they’re fresh and ready for any meal, any time.

Spread the love onto your favorite sandwich by swapping in delicious PeakFection™ Guacamole for your usual mayo. You’ll get all the creamy taste (plus heart-healthy antioxidants) for about half the calories. Or heat things up by subbing spicy PeakFection™ Salsa for ordinary ketchup.

Look for them in your deli department at The Kroger Co. Family of Stores. Find a location near you at kroger.com.

MEET THE LIFESTYLERS

Keep up with the tastemakers and trendsetters behind the brand you love! Go to our Lifestylers hub and follow us on social media for an inside look at the latest doings and obsessions of the RS Marketing team. Bookmark us today at RSLifestylers.com.

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