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Get Movin' Monday: How To Slow Down Our Busy Lives

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- With work piling up, getting the kids to sports, and other day-to-day duties, stress seems never ending. That's why we're going to get you moving this Monday -- by teaching you how to slow down.

Dr. Courtney Jordan Baechler with Allina Hospital showed us some simple tips.

For starters, the key to de-stressing is controlled breathing.

"There are studies that [show] with as little as 10 minutes of meditation, for instance, we can completely change what our brain is telling our body," Baechler said.

That can control the amount of acid in our stomachs, reduce our heart rate and lower blood pressure.

"Stress isn't going away, but how we deal with the day-to-day," Baechler said.

Baechler also says to try yoga. Not only is it good for your physical health, but it can help you get in the regular practice of meditation.

If you can't make it to the fitness class, Baechler says "close the door to your office and take a few minutes to yourself to be quiet."

She recommends the free website program Head Space for tips on how to quiet the mind even in the toughest situations.

"You really have to assume the positive in everything that's going on," Baechler said.

When all else fails, get outside for that deep breath.

"Hearing the birds chip is soothing, that there's a bigger picture," Baechler said.

The Penny George Institute for Health and Healing is opening a Plymouth office that will work with patients and Allina doctors to combine treatment options that address the mind, body and spirit.

The Community Open House is at the Abbott Northwestern Plymouth campus on Thursday, Aug. 7, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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