Our ability to breath is the fundamental basis of life, it is an expression of our autonomy as an organism, and it is a powerful bridge between the voluntary and involuntary functions of our body. Our ability to breathe is affected by the external environment such as allergens and poor air quality. Unfortunately, our ability to control our external environment is limited. Fortunately, our ability to breathe is also greatly affected by a number of internal circumstances which we have a lot of control over.
Poor postural habits and unconscious, inefficient’ breathing habits greatly inhibit many people’s ability to breath properly. This, in turn, has a negative effect on body function and emotional state. Poor breathing habits can impair intestinal and metabolic function and contribute significantly to perceived stress, which in turn contributes to anxiety and depression.
Adding a 10 minute, simple, deep breathing exercise to your daily routine can significantly improve both your physical and mental health. Try this simple practice: Lying on you back on a mat or other comfortable surface bend your knees and rest your feet flat on the mat. Put your hands gently on your belly just below your navel. Expand your belly and use this expansion to draw your breath into your body, taking a full, relaxed, deep breath. As your lungs fill with air gently release your belly and allow the exhale to come out naturally as your abdomen descends. Repeat this process at a comfortable pace for ten minutes (set a timer). Try and keep your breath cycle relaxed continuous, with no holding or tension. Be gentle with yourself, this practice may be simple but it is not necessarily easy. When you are done gently rub your hands together and then rub your face to bring yourself back. Slowly get up and go about your day feeling relaxed and renewed.
If you would like to go further with improving your breathing or exploring breath work as a healing modality please book a manual therapy appointment with Devon here.