Relieve Physical & Emotional Stress with Deep Breathing

Breathe… As ridiculous as it may sound, most of us get by on the bare minimum of oxygen during the run of a typical day. Shallow, apical breathing keeps us alive but does little to promote a healthy body.

Why is Breathing Important?

Physiologically, breathing is important for two reasons:

Breathing Supplies the Body with Oxygen

Breathing is the primary means of nourishing our bodies and its various organs with the supply of oxygen which is vital for our survival. Oxygen is essential for the integrity of the brain, nerves, glands, internal organs and healthy skin. We can do without food for weeks and without water for days, but without oxygen, we perish within a few minutes.

Breathing Cleanses the Body of Toxins

The second function of breathing is that it plays an important role in cleansing the body of toxins and waste products.

Tension and anxiety don’t just aggravate our minds. Stress manifests itself in our bodies in the form of physical tension, pain, stiffness, and disease. An inadequate supply of oxygen results in the degradation of all vital organs in the body. In fact, research has shown that oxygen deprivation may contribute to the development of diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

How Do You Breathe?

Gain an awareness of your breath in different situations: Are your inhalations and exhalations balanced? Is your breathing fast or slow? Does your chest or belly expand with each breath? Is your breath truncated by pain or discomfort?

How to Breathe for Mental & Physical Stamina

Exercising your lungs regularly increases mental and physical stamina. To reduce stress and nurture your body, inhale to the full capacity of your lungs, gradually expanding your chest, and allowing your collarbone to rise. Then exhale slowly and completely, relaxing your diaphragm to expel carbon dioxide and toxins from your body.

Deepen Your Breath to Reduce Stress & Anxiety

Get in the habit of deepening your breath during stressful situations, discharging anxiety and destructive emotions such as anger, panic and fear with each exhalation.

Make time to slow down and focus on your breath at least once during the day, and reap the rewards of a healthy, beautiful body and a sound mind.