Breathe, with deep breaths. Move your diaphragm. Add to your overall sense of health and well being.
Deep breathing calms you, relieves stress and just feels good.
Shallow breathing increases stress and agitation. Do you have or do you know anyone who has "a short fuse". How do they normally breath? How do they breathe when angry?
It is your lower lungs that contain the greatest surface area and can therefore absorb more oxygen. If you want energy you want to use your lower lungs, so breathe, breathe deeply. Do not just expand your chest, this is still shallow breathing. You may be taking in more air than normal, but it is not quite good enough. Move your breath right down into your belly. It's not hard, just think about taking the air going deep into your abdomen and it will go there. If you are not sure, put a hand just below your belly button, your hand should move out, just a little, no need to create a pot belly. Think about where the air is going as you breathe.
Shallow, fast breathing has been associated with high blood pressure. Deep breathing is relaxing. Deep breathing may help relax muscles relieving to some degree neck and back pain. Deep breathing helps to clear and focus the mind. Some articles I have read indicate that deep breathing massages the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system works with our circulatory system, the circulatory system carries nutrients to the cells and the lymphatic system carries away toxins.
The heart is the pump for the circulatory system, breathing is the pump for the lymphatic system. We need to breath well to keep it functioning as it should. Keeping the lymphatic system working well is part of why deep breathing improves all aspects of your health. It has even been associated with weight loss. To some, deep belly breathing is considered to be a good abdominal exercise. I will keep an open mind about that. If it is true, it is a bonus. I am happy with all the other benefits.
There is one last possible benefit of deep breathing. Have you heard of ho'oponopono (ho-o-pono-pono)? It is an ancient Hawaiian practice for physical and spiritual healing. One of the clearing or cleansing techniques used was deep breathing. It is sometimes called the seven breaths, others call this technique the breath of Ha (the Devine). I don't know if it really cleans your spirit, but it definitely is good for the mind and body.
• To start, first sit comfortably, but sit up straight. Close your eyes if you like. Concentrate on your breath.
• Breath in through your nose for a count of 7, if you are doing it for spiritual reasons imagine your breath going into every cell, energizing your body.
• Hold for 7 counts. This is the part I find difficult, but I have been told the pause is necessary. Supposedly it gives the air time to work. I don't know, but the energizing effect is greater if you do it than if you skip this part. This I do know, because being both skeptical and stubborn I tried it both ways.
• Breath out slowly through your nose, again for 7 counts. Those who believe in Ho'oponopono say it releases impurities, and poisons.
• Hold for 7 counts again.
This is one round. You do 7 rounds. I guess you see why it is sometimes called the 7 breaths. The 7 breaths should be done during a quiet time-not while driving or any other activity that requires your full attention.
Regular deep breathing can be done anytime, anywhere, just think about how you breathe.
The author has a blog devoted to healthy aging, particularly for "baby-boomer's". She researches and reports on simple, easy, exercises, nutrition, and weight loss strategies.
Visit the blog, leave a comment. Even offer an opposing opinion if you like. The site was set up to encourage thought and discussion on a topic we all have to deal with one way or another. Making the next 50 years as good or better than what has gone before.
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