Except for you, who have upper respiratory illnesses, we breathe in and out without a thought. However, the way you breathe plays a significant role in your health. I started my health journey 10 years ago. It wasn’t until then that I learned the correct way to breathe to maintain my health. Have you ever watched a baby breathe? The stomach puffs out when they inhale and deflates when they exhale. That is how we should be breathing to be healthy. Deep breathing, first done as a relaxation exercise, has evolved beyond that.
A study by Amy Amla Kartar at Brighton and Sussex Medical School found that participants who used high-ventilation or heliotropic breathing for 20-30-minute sessions. Along with music, were able to share strong emotional responses. They also experienced a decrease in heart rate. They reduced blood flow to specific brain regions, the left operculum and the posterior insula, which process internal bodily states, such as breathing. I will share with you today three types of breathing to help you become a healthier you.
The first is diaphragmatic breathing: this method involves breathing deeply into your diaphragm (stomach area) rather than your chest. Place one hand on your chest and the other over your stomach. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to rise while keeping your chest still. Exhale slowly through your mouth.
Another type of breathing is Box Breathing, which athletes and military personnel mainly use. It involves inhaling, holding your breath, exhaling, and holding your breath again for equal counts. An example is to inhale for a count of four, hold for a count of four, exhale for a count of four, and hold for four counts before repeating. Developed by Dr. Stanislav Groh, holotrophic breathing involves rapid, focused breathing along with music. This breathing technique should be performed by a specialist trained in it.
The main point of breathing deep is consistency. Regular practice can deepen your experience and help you connect with your inner self. “Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts.” -Tich Nhat Hanh”.
Deep breathing is a journey, and when done daily, it can help you connect with your emotions, calm your mind, and nurture your spirit. Whatever your reason to try deep breathing, calming your mind, a connection to your inner self, or to have peace of mind after a busy day, deep breathing offers a path to wellness.
More research continues to offer the benefits of deep breathing. It can produce blissful states of mind, promote emotional balance, help us slow down, and reconnect with the present moment.
I have been doing deep-breathing exercises for quite some time. I can testify that they can make a real difference in getting to know your inner self and how you deal with life.
I invite you to take a deep breath and begin your journey to a healthier life!
Until next time,
Peace, Love, Blessings ❤️
