From Dr. David Eifrig in Retirement Millionaire:

I have a practice you can try most anywhere and anytime... in your work clothes, your gym clothes, even naked in bed. It's simple to do, but it takes a little time. And I mean just a little time - 12 minutes is all it takes!

If you want to quickly improve your health and happiness, this activity does it. The best part is it takes very little effort. Paradoxically, the less effort you exert, the more benefit accrues. Any guesses what it is?

It's meditation.

The power of meditation comes from the "relaxation response" it elicits. Meditation actually changes our physiology. During meditation, our brain waves convert to a pattern that is as deep, and in some ways deeper than, sleep. And it is also more restful and recharging than a nap. Meditation releases chemicals that are the direct opposite of the so-called "stress hormones." These chemicals and hormones trigger pathways of healing and regeneration.

Regular meditation practice lowers your heart rate and increases both your blood's oxygen saturation and the delivery of oxygen to tissues. This is the exact same benefit of exercise. A Scientific American article from 1963 showed yogis can actually lower their heart rates to one or two beats a minute by invoking this "relaxation response." Now that's what I call relaxed!

Perhaps the best part, meditation has benefits identical to exercise but without the wear, tear, and stress on your body that comes with training too hard. Meditation can also:

• Increase your powers of concentration
• Help you live longer
• Reduce the number of visits to your doctor
• Reduce the likelihood of an admission to the hospital
• Improve your fertility
• Boost your immune system
• Increase your serotonin (the chemical that counters depression)
• Lower blood pressure more than any known drug

Of course, as with any lifestyle change, it is only effective if you do it!

So if you're looking for a simple way to get the benefits of exercise without the wear and tear and huffing and puffing...learn to meditate and practice it regularly. You'll be amazed at how good you'll feel.

Crux note: Each issue of Dr. David Eifrig's Retirement Millionaire is loaded with the latest tips, loopholes, and secrets to help you save money, invest wisely, and live better. To learn more about Retirement Millionaire - and how you can take advantage of the world's most least expensive way to protect yourself from financial crisis - click here.

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