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W o r d s :
S a r a h R e e s
Our bodies need oxygen to survive, but did you realise that breathing can do somuch
more than simply keep your heart beating? Use breath to promotewellness and
breathe yourself better!
Health
Breathe Yourself Better
B
reathing
i s auto-
matic, instinctive, and
life-affirming. We take
approximately 12-20
breaths per minute, sup-
plying our bodies with
the oxygen that is vital
to all processes within the body, yet it is
somethingwe barely consider or notice – it
is a simple as…breathing. However, pay
a little more attention to your breathing
and the extra benefits – beyond staying
alive – could be bountiful!
Focused and mindful breathing can
help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
It can also assist your nervous system and
thus bring all manner of health benefits to
Deep breathing can help:
• Lower blood pressure and heart rate.
• Reduce the level of stress hormones in
the blood.
• Improve the performance of the im-
mune system.
• Boost physical energy.
• Reduce the lactic acid in your muscles.
• Promote a sense of calmandwellbeing.
• Stimulate digestion.
• Nutrients and water be absorbed into
the body.
How do I make it happen?
Access the benefits of breath by making
time each day for focused breathing – three
minutes is sufficient, and spend those
minutes breathing long, slowly and deeply.
Find a quiet area or room to do this
where you will not be disturbed, and
place your hands on your belly so you
can ensure you are breathing right down
to your core.
Other people find they can harness
the breath through practices such as yoga
and tai chi, where movements are led
by breath and time is spent on focused
breathing. Youmay find it easier in a class
environment, so do what suits you!
Did you know?
• Oxygen provides 18 times more energy
than food
• If you spend three minutes breathing
deeply before noon, you will avoid the
afternoon slump without the need for
chocolate!
• Breathing is linked to the nervous
system.
• During sleep, our bodies automatically
change sides every 30 minutes to bal-
ance the breath through each of the
nostrils.
• If our lungswere opened flat they could
cover a tennis court.
• 70% of the body’s waste is eliminated
by breathing.
• Women and children breathe slightly
faster than men.
your internal body. By taking extra time to
breathe consciously, you can feel energised
andwill be able to navigate your busy days
andworking weeks more successfully and
with less stress!
What’s in it for me?
When we feel stressed or anxious, we
often take short, shallow breaths, which
disrupt the balance of gases within our
bodies and leave key areas without the
necessary oxygen needed to operate at
their peak. Controlled, deep breathing
can combat the stress reaction, but also
has a whole host of body benefits which
will make you feel better and calm the
anxieties.