FRESH AIR IMPOVERISHES THE DOCTOR – Danish Proverb
Today I will talk about breathing because this seemingly natural action we do every day has a lot to do with our health, well being and road towards success.
I have written many times that stress is our biggest enemy. Stress stops us from living a healthy and joyous life which we do not want because a successful individual is one who is happy in all areas. Recently I discovered that taking deep breaths several times within a day actually takes away the stress.
FACT : Most adults breathe very shallowly using just our chest muscles. Shallow breathing starves our body with oxygen and this lack of oxygen in our cells cause a lot of diseases. Breathing shallowly only fills the middle and upper parts of their lungs. Nose breathing, using your abdominal muscles, is more efficient because it fills more of your lungs and provides more air and, subsequently, more oxygen with each breath.
Following is a tip for Proper Breathing
1. Inhale normally through your nose.
2. As you breathe out through your nose, slightly tighten your throat as if you are lightly snoring.
3. Notice that you must contract your abdominal muscles to make the “snoring” sound during your exhale. The tighter you contract your stomach muscles with each exhale, the more resonant the snoring sound. As long as you can make that sound, proper breathing will occur.
4. Once you can make this sound with a shallow breath, increase the depth of each breath while making a quality, resonant snoring sound with each exhale. You can also do this on each inhale.
5. Practice every chance you get while lying down, sitting, or walking. When it becomes very easy, use this type of breathing, especially during each exhale, during your regular exercise time.
When the Breath wanders, the mind is unsteady, but when the Breath is still, so is the mind still."
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika
I love YOGA, I do it at least once every week. Yoga does not only stretch your body, it also relaxes the mind. One of the Five Principles of Yoga is Pranayama or Breathing Exercise which promotes proper breathing. In a Yogic point of view, proper breathing is to bring more oxygen to the blood and to the brain. Pranayama Yoga also goes hand in hand with the Asanas. The union of these two Yogic Principles is considered as the highest form of purification and self-discipline, covering both mind and body.
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