The Importance of Conscious Breathing

“Breathe,” We all say it…we all do it. But most of us breathe without a thought. We breathe automatically, yet unconsciously and naturally but not deliberately. Your body can exist without food and water for a period, but not without oxygen. Oxygen is one of the most vital nutrients to the body, to the brain and all of your internal organs. But breathing is more than just the inhalation and exhalation of air, in and out of the body. It’s the oxygen that reaches your heart, lungs and every cell in your body; which becomes your source of energy.

You might be saying “okay… I breathe.. so what?” Well, it’s more about “how” you breathe. Breathing slow and steady, yet rhythmically, has many benefits. By being conscious of your breath and creating a deliberate breathing pattern; you oxygenate every organ, cell, and body tissue.

Most of us breathe shallow and quick, which can cause a reduction in vitality. It may also cause you to feel tense or irritated. It can result in fatigue, negative thoughts and even contribute to depression. A lack of oxygen to the heart blocks circulation and might cause a heart attack as the lack of oxygen to the brain can cause a stroke.

Sometimes mental tension may restrict you from breathing properly. There are so many benefits when you stop ~ pause ~ and breathe consciously. For example; deep belly breathing brings fresh oxygen into the body and creates energy by stimulating and massaging the organs. Listed are other health benefits when you breathe consciously and correctly:
• Relaxes the mind and body while reducing stress and anxiety
• Increased oxygen to the lungs helps circulation
• Helps with respiratory
• Burns fat
• Helps with digestion
• Oxygen purifies your bloodstream; removing toxins and waste products from the body
• Rejuvenates the skin
• Lowers blood pressure
• Improves focus and concentration
• Calms panic attacks

There are many different breathing techniques for different circumstances. Above; I mentioned “Belly Breathing”. This is an exercise you can practice daily to stimulate relaxation which will result in less tension:

Sit comfortably and quietly. Inhale through the nostrils and fill your lungs to capacity. When you feel you have taken as much breath as you can ~ sip in a little bit more and hold it for the count of seven. Slowly exhale through your mouth; every drop of air while contracting your abdominals for the count of eight. Exhalation should always be longer than the inhalation. Repeat this process for a total of five times, keeping your breath smooth and steady.

This particular exercise will increase blood flow to your organs help your body’s internal rhythm.

The most important thing is that you are taking in enough oxygen to expel carbon dioxide. Make a conscious habit to breathe deliberately. Practicing conscious breathing will enhance your physical and mental well-being.

Sometimes you need to “just be
Take a “time out”
~ It’s breathing time ~

~  Dr. Jill Lee ~

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