Breathing is something we do unconsciously twenty four hours a day, 365 days a year. On average, people take about 20,000 breaths each day.
Your breathing can be affected negatively by poor posture and stress. When this happens breathing becomes shallow and quick, making you feel worse as a result of not getting proper oxygenation. Becoming aware of your breathing habits and consciously changing them is a powerful way to improve your health and wellbeing in a matter of minutes. Sitting up with good posture and breathing with your diaphragm, so that your abdomen expands out with each inhale and contracts with each exhale, will bring awareness to the present moment. Relaxing your face and breathing in and out through the nose will calm the nervous system and relax the mind and body. Breathing through the nose is important because it works to filter, warm and moisten the air before it enters your lungs. Slowing down the breaths and exhaling for a count or two longer than each inhale will lower blood pressure, anxiety and fight insomnia. Proper breathing clears the mind by providing your brain with the oxygen it needs to function properly. It also works with every cell of your body helping systems to function properly, stay nourished and boost the immune system. The way you breath is linked to your emotions and state of mind. It is possible to reduce the effects of an emotional situation by practicing a breathing exercise. Believe it or not, it is impossible to be anxious when you are breathing in a calm, controlled manner. My favorite breathing exercise it to sit cross leg on the floor and let my hands rest on my knees. I close my eyes and sit up tall, imagining a string attached to the top of my head pulling gently upwards to help create space between each vertebrae of my spine. I inhale through my nose for 4 counts and then exhale through my nose for 5 or 6. If I find my breathing is shallow, I move my hands to my lower abdomen and feel it expand with each breath. I consciously tell my breath to fill my lungs where my hands are. On each exhale I engage my abdominal muscles as I finish exhaling all the air completely out of my lungs. I do this for 5 minutes. Often if my neck and shoulders are tight, I will stretch them during this time with slow movements to each side or neck and shoulder rolls one direction and then the other. When I come out of a breathing exercise I feel so renewed to tackle whatever is on the agenda for the day with energy and clear thinking. I can't say enough about how simple yet profound bringing awareness to my breathing has been. I am confident if you give it a try you will feel the same. If you are interested in learning more simple habits you can add into your life to improve your health, schedule your Best Health Strategy Session. If you take care of your body, it will take care of you!
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AuthorJessica Mutunga is passionate about good simple living that focuses on relationships, food and creating a supportive healthy environment. She is The Light Way Coach. Archives
May 2022
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