Are You Aware Of Your Breathing?
INCORRECT BREATHING CAN PROVE VERY COSTLY TO YOU
We have been breathing since the day we were born, and surely we will be breathing till the day we die.
But, have you really given much thought to your respiratory system? And are you really conscious of your breath?
Perhaps it’s time we put some focus on our breath, and the amazing benefits that can be had by proper breathing techniques.
Most of us are so busy in our daily activities and busyness that we hardly give any notice to our amazing body and the many functions that are occurring at each and every moment on auto pilot.
That is, until we get sick or feel some aches and pains. So let’s give some attention to our breath.
The amount of breaths we take in a day is usually around 17,000 – 25,000….that’s every single day of our life! Rinse and repeat. That is pretty amazing!
One way to focus more on our breath is by practicing yogic breathing.
By breathing correctly we supply our body with the proper amounts of oxygen – which can bring about a sense of calm and relaxation, as well as lower our stress levels.
This proper breathing technique also detoxifies, soothes pain, and improves our immune function.
So, how do YOU breathe? If you’re like most people, you might be breathing in and out of your mouth, and in a very shallow manner into your chest area. This type of breathing is very common and it is incorrect.
You’re breathing incorrectly if you take a deep breath in and your shoulders and chest rise up and expand.
Try taking a few deep breaths in and out through your nose and into your diaphragm…..deep belly breathing. See how that feels.
Go ahead and give it a try!
When we are babies, we breath correctly through our diaphragm, taking deep breaths in and out through our stomach area.
This all changes as we grow older and are exposed to daily stressors and stimuli.
Gradually we become used to breathing more shallow and quickly – not allowing ourselves enough oxygen intake. This leads to even more heightened stress hormones (triggering our fight or flight response) which increases our risk of anxiety, disease, lower energy and a whole lot of other unwanted side effects.
You really do want to focus on deep and long breaths in and out of your nose and into your diaphragm, a muscle that’s located under the rib cage. Just imagine you’re breathing a healing breath in – slowly expanding this area, and then slowly and deeply exhaling while keeping your chest and shoulders still and relaxed.
Breathing properly activates the parasympathetic nervous system – the part of our body responsible for inducing a sense of calm and relaxation. You also give your nervous system and immune system a boost by deep and relaxed belly breathing. And you will definitely feel much better while also relieving anger, anxiety, and lethargy within minutes…just by breathing.
Best of all – it’s FREE!
Meditation and yoga practices are frequently teaching us to breathe long and deep through the belly for calm and inner peace. Immediate relief from stress, anxiety, and anger is the result. So if you’re feeling a bit stressed or blah, just breath in and out of your nose and deep down into your stomach.
Go out and breath deep....you'll surely reap the benefits of deep belly breathing!
