Breath is such a spontaneous thing. When we are breathing well, we are relaxed and take no notice of our breath at all. But when we are winded, suddenly, we realize just how important breath really is. Let’s face it; we won’t live long if we don’t breathe.
But controlling your breath for health and relaxation is far from spontaneous and well worth the small effort involved.
Ever watch a sleeping baby? Now there is perfect breathing at its best! The lower belly rises up and falls without effort. Nice slow, deep breaths.
When we are stressed, however, breathing takes on an entirely new look. We breathe from our chests and shoulders. Our breaths become short and shallow.
So how can we control our breathing in a way that benefits our health? Slow breathing slows a rapid/stressed heart rate. Taking control of your breathing is the fasted and easiest way to calm yourself when stressed. Simply stop, take notice of your breathing and be sure that you are breathing from your lower belly instead of using your chest area. This small thing can lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduced amounts of stress hormones, reduce lactic acid build-up in muscle tissue, balanced levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, improved immune system functioning, increased physical energy, and increase feelings of calm and well being. Not bad for something so simple.
The hard part is becoming conscious of your breathing on a regular basis. Leave yourself little reminders, and you’ll be “breathing easy” in no time!
