Breathing. Something you’ve done every day since birth.
In fact, you take approximately 20,000 breaths each day.
How do you breathe?
Unless you’ve struggled for a breath or two, you likely don’t think much about it.
And yet, the benefits of a deep breath are many:
- it releases toxins
- assists in weight control
- relaxes tension & relieves pain
- relaxes the mind & body, & brings clarity
I could go on, but I think you get the idea: a deep breath is good for you.
How do you breathe?
If you’re staring at a screen, your breath is probably shallow.
And if you’ve been in front of that screen for any length of time, check your posture.
When we sit for hours in front of a screen (t.v., computer, phone, etc.), we are unlikely to take a deep breath. This particular disease has been called Screen or Email Apnea. Attention is focused elsewhere, and posture is typically slumped. Arms out, shoulders forward, lungs compressed. Breath, shallow.
Lengthen that spine. Drop those shoulders, and fully exhale.
That’s the challenge this week: Breathe more deeply.
As often as you can, consciously take a deep breath.
Notice what expands. What moves the most as you breathe? (you can’t get this wrong)
Set a timer for once an hour. Develop a breathing practice. Get outside and get some fresh air. Doesn’t matter how you do it, aim to breathe deeply as you move through your day.
Breathing is a fundamental part of living ~ do it well.
breathe in, breathe out.
go deep.
Some resources for breathing:
The Art & Science of Breath with Dr. Andrew Weil
Belly Breathing Practice
Eighteen benefits of deep breathing
