The Importance of Taking a Breath
Re-learning how to breathe.
Looking at the people around you, it’s more than likely a few of them attend a yoga class, meditate a couple of times a week, or have seen a reiki practitioner or kinesiologist at some point in their life.
One mindfulness practice that has been gaining momentum all over the world is breath work; the ancient art of bringing conscious awareness to the breath.
In our busy modern world, the human body has adapted to meet the rushed pace of life.
We’ve become accustomed to breathing shallowly, inhaling through the nose or mouth and simply filling the chest.
Over time this causes us to burn out the muscles in the upper body - it’s no wonder that after a week hunched over a desk, so many of us have chronic neck, shoulder and back pain.
A shallow breath sends many messages through the body.
It induces stress by association, taking short quick breaths triggers our fight or flight response, causing our cortisol to rise. It also slows the steady circulation of oxygen, which has a whole range of complications on its own (e.g. fatigue, stops the healing process, inability to focus or concentrate).
Breathing is a natural and essential bodily function that requires little attention or effort. In fact, each of us takes around 22,000 breaths a day. A truly nourishing and revitalising breath is one that is inhaled through the nose, travels deep into the belly and fully fills the lungs, before being completely exhaled.
Slowing down and training the body to take deep, conscious breaths is a skill. The benefits are endless.
It alkalises your blood’s PH level
It’s anti-inflammatory
It elevates your mood
It quietens mental chatter
It improves focus and concentration
It sends oxygen through the body
It cultivates presence
It reduces stress
As with learning any new skill, the consistency of your practice is key. Commit to a breathwork practice for at least 2-5 minutes a day.
Set a timer for 5 minutes and find a position where you can sit up comfortably, relaxed but alert.
Begin to pay attention to your breath here, don’t try to change anything about it. Just notice the length and depth of your breath. Notice, whether your inhales and exhales, are in balance, or if one side of the breath is longer than the other
Now notice the feelings and sensations of your breath as it travels through your body. See if you can visualise your breath moving through your lungs, and send it deep into your belly.
In your own time, return to your normal breath and become aware of how differently your body feels
