Deep Breathing

You can live without food for weeks, without water for days, but without oxygen, you will die in a matter of minutes. If you want a healthy body that is full of energy, the habit of deep breathing is the key. The more oxygen you put into your lungs, the more energy you will have. Your body runs on oxygen, and this positive habit will provide your body with more of it.

Breathe From the Diaphragm

Many people have forgotten how to breathe properly. When you watch a baby breathe, you notice that their belly expands with each breath. This is how humans are supposed to breathe, from the diaphragm. The baby’s diaphragm is creating a suction that pulls oxygen into the lungs.

As we get older, many of us unconsciously switch from natural deep diaphragm breathing to shallow chest breathing. To experience diaphragmatic breathing, place your hand on your waist. Take a deep breath and expand your belly; your hand should move outward as you inhale and inward as you exhale. If you practice this, you will find that it gets easier and easier to take deep, full breaths from your diaphragm.

Every time you walk, run, jog, or engage in any physical activity, make it a habit to place your hand on your abdomen and take a few long deep breaths. You will be energized with the added oxygen that the deep breathing brings into your lungs. Be careful not to over do it, you may get dizzy.

To your great health and well being.

Joyce Hearn