It can often go overlooked, that breathing is actually an incredible tool that can be utilized as a regulator and stimulator of health and wellness. Our bodies take on the task of breathing automatically. Due to this automated process, thanks to our nervous systems, we don’t even have to think about breathing, we just do it.
Our careers, no matter what field or direction they may be in, take a toll on us. There are ups and downs, as well as demands and stress buildup. When you begin to obtain the basic understanding of the connection between your brain, your nervous system and your breath, you can have the power to reach and maintain a stress-reduced life from the inside to the outside with a more balanced and positive existence.
There are differences in your breathing, if you take the time to notice and be conscious of it. For example, when you get angry, your breathing gets faster, shorter and somewhat shallow. This can also occur when you are in fear or heavily stressed. When you are calm and relaxed, it is more natural to take in longer and deeper breaths.
What this means is that we actually have the ability to take ourselves from that state of stress and bring ourselves into a state of relaxation and calmness. If you take deep breaths that you can feel down to the abdomen, you will be calming the body and the mind due to the fact that you are slowing your heart rate, which relaxes the nervous system.
So to start practicing today, take a deep breath, inhaling through your nose. When you exhale, just envision blowing out a candle, with a firm breath from your mouth. Repeat this a few times. The beauty of this is that you can do it anywhere and at any time. Through breathing properly, you will be able to better cope with life’s little stumbling blocks and think clearly to make better decisions. Stress threatens your health, but breathing can be the key to protecting your health.
