Breathe for Your Health

We hear this everywhere, but what does it mean "just breathe."  As a yoga, qi gong and meditation instructor, I spend every class instructing on the benefits of an intentional breath, coming in through the nose and out through the nose or mouth.  This intentional breath signals the body to relax and engages the parasympathetic nervous system, i.e. the de-stressing, healing response we all benefit from.  When we use the power of our own breath, at any time, anywhere to create more calm, we become more present and intentional.  That means that we can show up for our lives how we truly wish to be. 

It's counterintuitive to think that slowing down by breathing deeply can actually be worthwhile.  However, it is true.  Some people call this mindfulness--which is basically bringing the mind to the place the body is--to the present moment.  It's a focusing exercise uniting the body with the mind, through the power of the invisible breath. 

At first, the thought of breathing deeply for even a few minutes a day may not seem like a life changer, however, through regular practice, we become more efficient breathers.  We can drop into the present moment even more easily.  Some people call this meditation. 

There are apps available that give clear instruction on how to get started.  Insight timer and Calm are two of them.  Some of these guided visualizations are specific to letting go of stress or calming down before bedtime or getting in touch with the seasons.  It doesn't really matter what you choose to focus your mind's eye on--if you use your breath to help you, you will start feeling better.  When we feel better, we are better.  We do better.  We then want more of that good feeling.  It becomes its own cyclical fulfillment.

I cannot recommend intentional breathing as a health, wellness and weight loss tool enough.  Deep breaths are not only a self regulating technique to help us in any situation, they are also an internal massage to the organs.  This is also healthy for us.  Internal organs are always working hard on their own, and adding more oxygen to the system is a boost. 

We may not be able to get a massage or go on a beach vacation, but we can harness the power of the breath to give us a lift at any time and in any place.  It is a grounding exercise, a centering pursuit and what could clearly become the easiest way to calm down.  I highly recommend it.  To your health!