The importance of breathing (properly)

Let’s start with the basics. We all know how to breathe, don’t we? Well, the sad answer is that most of us seem to have forgotten how to do this properly. Reasons are countless. Not only do we think about breathing as something trivial - something that we do automatically - we also don’t use our bodies in the way that we used to. Too little day to day activity, too much high intensity workouts, too much sitting, clothes that are too tight; all of these can have a negative effect on how you use your breath. And not breathing properly has numerous effects on your health. 

Here’s why you should be paying attention to your breathing - if you don’t already:

• Can help control blood pressure and heart rate

• Can help reduce stress hormones

• Can help increase physical energy

• Can help improve your immune system

• Helps with overall calmness and wellbeing

So what is the correct way of breathing?
First: breathe through your nose and second: breathe into your belly.

One of the best explanations I came across was this video (2 minutes). Another video I recommend is this one; 11 minutes - worth your time - but if you’d like a breakdown, here it is:

• Breathing through your nose is important because your nostrils act as an air filter.

• Breathing through your mouth can lead to you getting too much oxygen in - which stresses the body out.

• Try to make your exhale longer than your inhale; Ideally inhale for 3 and exhale for 6 to 8 seconds.

• Low (into the belly) and slow breaths are key to maintain lung capacity. 

• Your chests and shoulders should be relaxed.

• And a final tip: yoga is a great exercise to expand your lung capacity.

So there you go. Now you know how to breathe properly. If you were already doing this - keep it up! If not - try to check in with yourself a couple of times a day.  And don’t forget to share this with anyone who needs it too.

Want tips on breathing techniques to lower your stress and/or anxiety? You can find those here.