How does deep breathing benefit our health?
Our entire system responds urgently to the changes that breathing suggests. Why?
Because breathing is essential for us to be alive now. Slowing down or speeding up
our breaths is one of the most effective ways to control our present state.
Here are 5 reasons why you should practice mindful breathing as frequently as you can:
Find a moment and a place, and before you begin, I recommend that you tell yourself
that you now want to concentrate fully on your breathing; and that no one will need
you, and you don’t need to be anywhere else; and that now you can fully immerse in
the experience. These words are highly suggestive to induce your alignment with the
exercise… and you are ready!
- It improves your mood
First, doing breathing exercises elevates us to an attitude of gratitude. Gratitude for
our life, for our lungs that work so well even though there is so much that hurts them
constantly; for your heart that has been beating for so many years without stopping;
and for all.
This exercise, practiced with the commitment it deserves, leads you to connect deeply
with your present moment, here and now. Which is a way of manifesting self-love,
healing and self-understanding. What we give attention to expands.
This form of meditation will push you to take better care of your body by manifesting
shifts in your consciousness. Plus, it’s super simple and accessible wherever you are.
2. Relieves Pain
Stress increases our body’s inflammatory chemical response, which increases the
intensity of pain. Practicing deep slow breathing, helps your body get out of stress/
worry/ danger sensation/ anxiety mode, which shuts down the production of this
inflammatory response. The result is a gradual decrease in tension and pain.
- Relieves Stress and Anxiety
A practice often associated with the relief of symptoms of depression, anxiety, panic
attacks, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
and addictions, this practice actually helps balance whatever emotional and/or mental
and/or physical imbalance you may have. Performed in commitment and with the
necessary frequency, this is a much more powerful technique than it seems to us from
its apparent simplicity;
Breathing exercises to control panic attacks: Using diaphragmatic or abdominal
breathing, inhale for six seconds and exhale for another six seconds for about one
minute. Then you should hold your breath for 10 seconds and start the cycle again
until you feel better.
- Improves sleep
Slow deep breathing actually helps the body deactivate the sympathetic system, that is
part of the central nervous system, which controls the fight or flight response. These
breathing exercises activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which will release
hormones into the bloodstream to slow down and relax the rhythm of our body.
When you practice this type of breathing, on the one hand you stop thinking about
your problems because you have to concentrate on breathing calmly; and on the other
hand, you are teaching your body what to do when you want him to relax. The more
often you do it, the more control you have.
As a consequence, your heart rate slows down. Slower and more natural breathing
becomes pleasurable, and the mind gradually turns off the waking state for a deep
sleep.
- Improves recovery from physical injuries
Deep breathing and meditation have also been associated with faster recovery from
physical injuries. From all that has been said before, it’s clear why, but also because
when you practice this type of meditation or any other, oxygenating your body with
time and calm, giving him the attention he deserves, all the internal activity will flow
without interference. When you are in the warrior’s rest mode, your body has a much
easier time healing and restoring himself.
Exercise it:
With your eyes closed, breathe slowly and deeply and visualize a colorful cloud that
begins to surround you now;
She carries a healing energy. Can you see her colors?
Breathe in this energy through your nose and watch as she spreads throughout your all
body wile she energizes your cells, that now take on the color or colors of the cloud.Repeat as many times as you wish;
Remember to always be grateful for your amazing body, for your lungs.
Enjoy dear soul!
