Breathing is so very important for our overall well being. Do you hold your breath when you get stressed? Do you tense up, and round your shoulders? What’s your stress level in general between a 1-10, 10 be the highest? If you’re regularly at a 7 or higher you might want to take notice of your breathing. We tend to do short, shallowing breathing when we are stressed, irritated, or have a lot going on. You can actually breathe your way to better health. Sit back, relax your shoulders and breathe, it really does make a difference!
Our breathing patterns are off. We use our upper chest and neck muscles to breath instead of our traditional breathing muscles (diaphragm).
We take over 20,000 breaths a day. This puts a lot of strain on the neck and upper chest muscles who are not supposed to be in charge of breathing. This pattern also is very stressful on the body and can even cause reduced blood flow (up to 50%) to the brain, limbs and heart. It also reduces the oxygen that can reach our cells. Certain back pain issues can also be an effect of poor breathing patterns.
Work on getting 360 degrees of expansion in your abdomen when breathing instead of just filling your upper chest. If this is difficult for you get into child’s pose and use your legs to block your stomach from expanding. Practice breathing into your sides and low back.
Do this for 2 minutes at the beginning and end of your day and you’ll be amazed at how different (calm) you will feel afterward. Don’t be surprised at how quickly this can help! I’ve had clients noticed a huge difference in only 1 week. And don’t tell me you do not have 4 minutes. You’re worth at LEAST 4 minutes a day!
Once you have this down, my challenge is for you to try it during your workout. Trust me, this is not an easy task. Breathing through your nose during exercise is hard. Start small, like when you’re out walking, biking, or lifting weights. Breathing through your nose during exercise is very beneficial, here’s 15 benefits.
The less stressed your body is, the healthier you’ll become.
I want you to be the healthiest and happiest you!
Don’t forget to post below and let me know how nasal breathing has helped you.
Shine Brightly,
Ali
