Something that we take for granted every day is the benefit of breathing. Breathing gives us life and allows us to continue to take in the air that we need to survive and exhale toxins into the atmosphere. But there are more benefits to breathing than just the repetitive motion that we are used to. It does so much more for our bodies and our health. Here are 5 benefits of breathing exercises that are sure to have you feeling anew.
- Relieves Stress. When you are stressed you are actually holding toxins within your body. These toxins can be detrimental to your health and can quickly turn into chronic stress. One way to help is to implement breathing exercises. Taking deep controlled breaths has benefits of reversing problems that could possible occur from being stressed. Because as women we can become so inundated within our lives with all of the “hats” that we wear, we tend to forget about taking care of ourselves and finding the time to just relax. Implement deep breathing through your day. You can start in the morning to clear your mind. Then insert it into your midday routine, around lunch time, to calm down from everything that the morning may have brought. And right before you go to bed, take several deep breaths and concentrate on the rhythm. There you have it. You have implemented breathing exercises into your daily routine and it only takes a few minutes to do.
- Makes giving birth a bit easier. Yes, they tell you to go to lamaze class to learn some breathing techniques and they teach you different methods. But, if you are already implementing breathing exercises prior to becoming pregnant then your body will be used to relaxed muscles and you will be used to controlled breaths, which really helps during contractions. It is truly mind over matter. Start now so that you will already be ahead of the curve. Train your body to automatically find the breathing rhythm and adapt accordingly. It will make birthing a child just that much better.
- Helps blood pressure. Your breathing is so powerful. When you are stressed out your brain releases adrenaline which forces your heart to begin to pump overtime. Essentially, you are putting stress on arteries that are not strong enough and as a result, your blood pressure can rise as well. Understanding how to take deep breaths and control you breathing can help to lower your blood pressure. The mind and body should work as one and be balanced. One way to achieve this balance is by deep controlled breathing techniques. It sends a signal to your brain that you are seeking calm and peace and as a result the rest of your body responds, thus potentially lowering your blood pressure.
- Helps to run longer distances. The key to being able to run longer distances has a lot to do with breathing. Have you noticed that when you run you have a shallow breathing pattern? You seem to be out of breath or barely catching your breath and the first thing you think about is, “Let me slow down to catch my breath.” Actually, what you need to do is practice deep breathing exercises. When you are properly breathing as you run, you can actually run longer distances. It’s called training your lungs. Think of oxygen as nourishment for your muscles. The oxygen distributes through your body, but importantly it goes to your major muscle that supports your breathing, your diaphragm. You need a strong diaphragm to do any activity that requires controlled breathing. In order to run longer distances, you must acquire endurance. You can achieve endurance with stronger lungs. Breathe, Breathe, and Breathe some more. You will get there and running up that hill will become easier by the minute.
- Changes your mood. This is something that you find common in people that practice yoga. Channeled and controlled breathing increases the amount of oxygen that goes to the brain. The brain then releases neuro-chemicals that are associated with pleasure, thus heightening your mood. Your mood definitely has a lot to do with your posture, body language, the way you interact, move and even eat. If you find yourself in a bad mood, STOP! Begin to take deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth. Slow and controlled. Continue to do this over and over again. Clear your mind and just think of peace, calm and relaxation. You will begin to feel your mood change. Your posture will change. Your body will work together to give you the desired results that you are seeking all because you have commanded it to through your breathing. This, of course takes practice. It’s not guaranteed to happen overnight, but it is guaranteed that it can work. Your mood sets the tone for your day, so begin here.
Who would’ve thought that something so simple could be so beneficial. Start off by implementing deep breathing exercises for a few minutes every day. You will begin to see how good it makes your feel and how focused you are. A lot of times we’ll go run the stress off, which is good, but we still need to understand how our body has built stress relievers to help us release those toxins. Some people are even emotional eaters when they are stressed or discontent. Try deep breathing exercises. Stop yourself in your tracks before you order that next burger, or deep fry some french fries and just breath. Get focused, channel in and breathe. Deep breathing helps to control moods, surely it definitely can help to control emotions. There are several deep breathing exercises to choose from. Try them out and see which method you would like to try. Try a combination of deep breathing exercises. Whatever works best for you is what’s important. Just make sure that you are choosing to do things in different ways and utilize your internal healing resources to your benefit. You will notice that once you have made deep breathing a part of your life, you will know and understand your body in ways that you haven’t before. Your body always shows you signs. You will recognize those signs quicker than ever before. Start your deep breathing exercises lifestyle now. You’ll find peace within.
