From increased calm, all the way to improved focus, the benefits of proper breathing are a lot further reaching than you may think. Breathing is something that we all do without any thought and yet very few of us breathe properly. Shallow breathing is almost automatic, yet deep breathing often seems strange at first.
The thing about shallow breathing is that it does us no good at all. In fact, shallow breathing can make issues such as anxiety and stress even harder to deal with while making it harder to concentrate, too. Shallow breathing does not give your lungs and body the air it needs to thrive. Once you start learning about the benefits of proper breathing, you will soon start to realise how much of an impact our breath has on our overall well-being.
The Biggest Benefits of Proper Breathing
What are some of the biggest benefits of proper breathing and how can breathing affect your physical, mental and emotional health? Three of the biggest benefits to correct breathing include the following:
Relaxation.
Remember when you were a kid and your mom or dad used to tell you to count to 10 when you got upset? There’s a reason for that – breathing properly helps us relax quickly and effectively. When you breathe in deeply, you are first getting plenty of oxygen to the brain and secondly forcing your heart rate to lower. This makes it easier to feel calmer in times of crisis, such as a panic attack, or even if you are just trying to unwind after a busy day.
Focus.
Breathing fully and deeply also helps you improve your concentration. Once again, this comes down to the brain getting enough air. The clearer your head, the easier it is to focus. This is why many meditation practices use breathing. When you breathe mindfully, you are able to unclutter the mind and focus on what you are doing without as much noise.
Energy.
Another major benefit of proper breathing is increased energy. Depending on the breathing exercise you do, breathing can help you clear a tired mind after a heavy day at work. It can also act as a pick-me-up, lifting the mood and providing you with more energy. The kundalini yoga breathing technique, breath of fire, is especially energising. Alternate nostril breathing can also help balance your energy.
Which breathing exercise helps you the most? Share your thoughts below and let me know which benefits of proper breathing you have experienced.
