Okay! We're going to repeat an old challenge again, because it's one that needs repeating! The only change is that I want you to keep in mind what Phyllis said in her post about making sure you don't "save" any breath for the 3 sniffs and puffs. Make sure you inhale and exhale fully before you sniff and puff.

For October, let's reuse an old challenge that someone (Lois), posted before my time on the board. I like the info shared here:

"My sister shared with me about Norman Cousins who healed himself from a terminal illness by watching comedies and laughter. She also shared that smiling has a healthy effect on bodies as well as our soul. I have spent some brief time researching laughter, smiling, etc in my attempt to learn more about this and overcome my depression. This was a quote I found on the internet by Norman Cousins: "Laughter is a form of internal jogging. It moves your internal organs around. It enhances respiration. It is an igniter of great expectations." I have also heard from a friend that is married to a doctor that says even a stage laugh can have health benefits. With Smiling being a part of the Oxycise inhale for the diaphragmatic breathing. I got to thinking that perhaps since my O! routine is so very basic that maybe the smiling part when I first started was giving me a lift as well as the Oxygen. 120 inhales while smiling during a 15 minutes workout= 120 smiles! I have been trying this, and yes, it is great and working really well to give me a lift. SO, I wanted to encourage you all by way of a challenge to please try it and see if it will give you an extra benefit! When I smile to deep breathe I keep this new info on my mind and really try to FEEL that smile deep down! SO, now KOBAS has a renewed meaning for me! Keep On Breathing And Smiling... try to really feel it with joy and laughter in your heart and mind!"

Let's go to 5 or 6 workouts per week for Oct., with big smiles, and complete inhales and exhales. Jill says we can lose if we do it this often. I'm still going to try to do 6, but I'll be just as proud of each one who does 5, okay? Who's going to join me?

Susanna

Susanna, I'm in for sure! I will also pay attention to whether that smile remains in place at the end of each repetition. Good luck, everybody!

--Phyllis

Me too! Actually, I was afraid I was exhaling too long, if I try to count I think I go as long as 8 sometimes! Yikes. I was thinking it was taking me too long with all that exhale time.

Lin

I'm in too!

Shari

I've been Smiling at all of you everyday have you seen me?

"For Reals" as the grands would say. I have been thinking of each of you as I remember to smile & "pretend" I'm smiling at you.

Ellen

Thanks for the smiles Ellen. I sure do appreciate them. I'll send a smile back.

Shari