Each year, a person takes 8 million breathes. Breathing allows our bodies to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide so that our bodies can function properly. There are four different types of breathing : eupnea (regular), diaphragmatic (deep), costal (shallow), and hyperpnea (forced).
Deep breathing is defined as the contracting of the diaphragm muscles as breath passively leaves the lungs. Deep breathing is so important because it activates the bodily systems in charge of rest, digestion, mood, and heart rate. It also sends more oxygen to the brain and other organs which effectively helps them function better. Deep breathing offers a range of benefits such as decreased anxiety, improved stress management, better focus, decreased depression, improved sleep, and quicker exercise recovery.
As you can see, deep breathing is important and has many great benefits. Use the following tips to add some deep breathing into your routine.
Get in a comfortable position
Place one hand on your belly. Place the other hand on your chest.
Breathe in through your nose and feel your belly rise
Breathe out through your mouth and feel your belly fall
Take three more full, deep breaths.
Breathe fully into your belly as it rises & falls
Enjoy the rest of your week and remember to be balanced!
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