How to breathe!
Breathing is not something we think about until we find it difficult to breathe due to a cold, allergies, or anything that may cause us to stop and think about the fact that we may not be getting the amount of oxygen our bodies need to survive. Our breathing can also be affected by exercise and our body’s response to the stress that is being placed on it. Under stress, our body’s reaction, usually causes us to take shorter more shallow breathes which in turn decreases the amount of oxygen that is inhaled, thus Less oxygen being delivered by our blood to other parts of the body which vitally need it to function. Lack of oxygen places greater stress on all other parts of your body, so no matter the stressor, the way you breathe should always be controlled.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Sitting up straight or lying down on your back, begin to draw your attention to the way you are breathing. Focus on each breathe, were it is coming from, and how your body is moving during inhalation and exhalation.
Step 2: Swallow to relax your throat and belly.
Step 3: Begin to inhale through your nose slowly allowing your belly and rib cage to expand. You should not feel your shoulders rise towards your ears, this is your neck muscles working and they should not be used as breathing muscles.
Step 4: Once you have finished inhaling hold your breath for about 2-3 seconds. Then slowly release your breath through your mouth.
Be aware of your body’s response to each long breath and practice until you can do 5-10 long breaths in a row. Use this technique when you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed to relax your body and ensure your body’s ability to respond properly and calmly to whatever situation you may be facing.
