Stay Smarter, Slimmer and Healthier in 60 Seconds

Close your eyes for a minute (after you've read this). Focus on your breathing and repeat a calm sound or word over and over, like "um" or "one." That can clear and relax your mind and bring you more rewards than a slot machine on a good day in Vegas.

Stress makes your adrenal glands kick out steroid hormones that can mess with your brain. Over time, chronic stress depletes your adrenal response, making you feel washed out. But regularly meditating for a minute or two can fend off the effects of stress.

Meditating also can keep you trim. Demanding jobs with long hours are a siren call to excess pounds. So a mini-dose of meditation can mean not needing bigger belts. So can walking or having a good laugh. But meditation is easier to do surreptitiously at your desk or while walking to another meeting.

Dr. Mike Roizen and Dr. Mehmet Oz

Source: The Province