We breathe everyday but how much thought do you really put into it? Most of us aren't breathing in a way that supports the function of the body. A simple way to optimize your health is to learn proper breathing technique!
Most of us are chest breathing (vertical breathing), rather than using the diaphragm (horizontal breathing). Bringing awareness to your breath will allow you to begin to notice how you breathe and help you train your body to breathe more efficiently. This will increase the amount of oxygen you're able to receive.
What Causes Us To Breathe Improperly?
1. We often sit more than human beings should, and a lot of the time in a slouched position. This hinders the ability to push the stomach out while breathing to fill the lower lobes of the lungs.
2. Sucking in our stomach to look slimmer. This causes upper chest breathing and leads to tension on the diaphragm.
3. Not focusing on breathing while exercising. A lot of people tend to hold their breath. Exercise should encourage us to practice correct breathing technique. Due to the fact this is a time that our bodies NEED as much oxygen as it can get!
4. Stress can cause us to breathe shallow and fast. This will become a habit that we become unconscious of.
Breathing Exercises
Here are a few breathing exercise you can start today to encourage your body to breath properly and deeply!
1. Tactical breathing; This can be used while exercising. Breathe in through your nose for 4 counts and out through your mouth for 6 counts. Try to do this for 2 minutes or longer and eventually all through out your workout. Your body will thank you!
2. Box breathing; Do this while sitting. Breathe in into nose for 4 counts, hold it for 4 counts, exhale from your mouth for 4 counts and hold at the bottom for4 counts. Try to got through four rounds of this exercise.
Take your time trying to incorporating these! Be patient and consistent. You'll find the more you do this the better you get and the better it benefits your body!