Just Breathe!

Many people overlook the fact that breathing has anything to do with health and fitness, but it does. What most people don't know is that your breathing pattern changes with every emotion you experience.

In martial arts and yoga, they making breathing an exercise all on it's own, of course they also practice meditation along with it—but I don't; I just concentrate on my breathing and posture and any tension I am releasing. 

On an inhale, your heart rate speeds up, increasing blood flow through arteries to the lungs, so more blood can be oxygenated. 

On an exhale, your heart rate slows, decreasing blood flow to the lungs forcing CO2 (heavy air) out of the lungs. 

The benefits of breathing as an exercise is it—

  • Reduces Stress
  • Increases Oxygen to Cells
  • Reduces Muscle Tension
  • Reduces Neck and Lower Back Pain
  • Improves Stability of the Lumbar Spine (posture)
  • Reduces Blood Pressure/Resting Heart Rate
  • Improves Mental Clarity
  • Improves Sleep
  • Reduces Anxiety & Stops Anxiety Attacks

A large number of the adult population deals with pain (chronic) in one way or another; yet so few of them, if any of them, connects their pain to their breathing pattern.

Think about this; the shorter the breath, the deeper the pain - right! Without sufficient oxygen, your muscles will convert glucose into lactate and release hydrogen ions into the muscles, leading to pain, cramps, and fatigue. 

Now you can understand why it's important to just breathe!

If you start conscious breathing an exercise, (I recommend deep breathing) please ensure a perfect posture with your chin-up, chest out, gut in & shoulders low. Make a conscious effort to never go into a slouching position during the day if your job requires you to sit for long periods. Keep your back straight and your feet flat on the floor.

When standing for long periods throughout the day, make sure you maintain the natural curves of your spine without exaggerating them. Keep your shoulders back and line up your ears, shoulders, hips, and ankles. Do not lock your knees; keep your legs shoulder-width apart. 

Whether you sit or stand for work, as long as you have a perfect posture, you can practice deep breathing as an exercise randomly throughout the day/

A short note to smokers: did you know that it's the inhaling & exhaling that releases stress? I hope you one day realize this and ditch the cigarettes and take better care of your health.

With Love*




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