The Power of Breath
Breathing. We do it all day, every day, and have done so since we first entered this world. Take a deep breath—pause—and exhale. As you drew your breath in, you supplied much needed oxygen to your body and organs, and as you pushed it out, you removed waste products and toxins from within. In fact, around 70% of our toxins are released from our body through our breath. Yet breathing is something that we hardly ever think twice about.
The connection between breath and our mind runs even deeper. Have you ever noticed that when you are anxious or upset, your breath becomes short and quick? By taking a deep breath, you actually cause your heart rate to slow down, creating feelings of calmness and relaxation.
Paying attention to your breathing can help you tap into your emotions and gain an understanding about your triggers. Pay particular attention to signs of “bad” breathing such as:
Taking quick, shallow breaths
Holding your breath at times
Constantly feeling a need to take a deep breath
Feeling like you have run out of breath
When you feel yourself doing any of these things, pause, slow down, and take a few deep breaths. Pay attention to how you feel and remember it the next time you notice yourself exhibiting patterns of “bad” breathing.
Practicing deep breathing can have several beneficial effects including:
Increasing energy
Improving the respiratory system by releasing tension in the diaphragm
Activating the parasympathetic nervous system to help bring you into a relaxed state
Strengthening the lymphatic system
Releasing muscle tension
Improving the cardiovascular system
Elevating the digestive system