– by Bec Dudley
We unconsciously take between 17,280 and 23,040 breaths a day. Have you ever stopped to notice your breathing pattern?
If the way you breathe is out of balance, it can lead to negative health consequences. Research shows that we often take short shallow breaths.
We need to breathe from our lower diaphragm, taking deep and slow breaths. Breathing poorly while stressed affects our health. By taking control of our breathing we oxygenate our body more efficiently. Some benefits of deep breathing are a slower heartbeat, increased energy levels, and a calming of the nervous system.
Try this simple conscious deep breathing exercise to help you feel more balanced and centred Begin with a few slow, deep breaths. Each time you breathe in; breathe all the way down into your stomach. Breathe in slowly through your nose, and feel your lungs expand with air and diaphragm compress.
After drawing in a long deep breath, allow your breath to flow back out through your mouth and release any tension or stress. Mentally repeat the word “relax” as you breathe out.
Try this now. Slowly draw in a deep breath. Don’t rush, just gradually fill your lungs with air, and when they are full, release that breath completely. You should begin to feel relaxed.
Your breath will dissolve tension just as easily as warm water melts ice. Breathe in again. When you are ready, release the breath. Let it flood out naturally. Breathe all the way out until your lungs are empty. Draw in a third and final breath. Nice and deep.
Feel yourself relaxing as you gradually release the breath. As you become self-aware notice when you are feeling anxious or upset. Stop and mentally take yourself through the above breathing exercise.
This exercise can be done at anytime, anywhere, and no one needs to know you are doing it. There is no magic quick fix here, and like all newly acquired life skills, you will need to practice regularly for this to be habit forming.
Till next month – stay happy, safe and well.
