Breathing right

If you woke up breathing, congratulations!  You have another chance.  ~Andrea Boydston

 Breathing is something we all do unconsiously, it requires no effort or concentration from our end.  However, if we breathe in a shallow manner, not much good can come out of it. Right breathing can help us reap benefits both physically and mentally.

 Most people only take shallow breaths. What happens in such scenarios is that , the stomach is pulled inside and the shoulders are pushed up to allow the air in. This is too much effort, breathing is natural and should be done naturally. Shallow breaths also reduce the oxygen levels in the blood and this might lead to tension, exhaustion and many stress related illnesses. 

 The effort many people make to suck in their tummies also leads to breathing problems.  There are many vital organs in the abdominal area which get affected on tucking in your tummies too long. 


 It is good to know that unlike your heartbeat and digestion, breathing is one bodily function that you can control. Many cultures have breathing exercises and routines that help calm the mind and improve health. One of many such practices is Pranayama, which many people call Yoga breathing. 


 Experts say one good way to breathe right, is to notice how you breathe when you are happy, relaxed or when you exercise. This kind of breathing can be emulated always. The right way of breathing is to breathe from the diaphragm. If your breathing is correct, then you can feel your diaphragm push down in to your belly. 

Deep breathing is the best way to relax your body. When you take shallow breaths, you send indications to your brain that you are under stress. Deep breaths oxygenate every cell in your body. 

 Apart from the reduced stress , deep breathing exercises can also induce weight loss. Most of my Indian readers must have seen various pranayama  exercises on television, early in the morning. These techniques work wonderfully for weight loss if practiced regularly. Do remember that like any other exercise, it is no miracle and will take time. Start with 1-2 minutes a day and slowly increase to 20 minutes. Exercise forms like Pilates, Yoga and Tai-chi also concentrate on right breathing along with physical movement. 


For those who do not find the time to practice various deep breathing exercises, a few minutes of diaphragmic breathing can produce amazing results. Also, deep breathing exercises are quite useful to wind instrument players and singers and others who use their voice more often. 


 Try deep breathing for a healthy life. If you have any ailments, please consult your medical practitioner before taking upon any such activity. Have you benefitted from deep breathing? Please share your experiences.