Breathe better to improve your life

Did you know that the average human repeats a breath cycle 17,000 to 30,000 times a day?

One of the most essential activities of the human body, breathing affects everything from the way we fuel our body to the way we clear our heads. Every bodily system relies on oxygen to function at its highest potential. In fact, the majority of the toxins inside of your body will be removed by the lungs.

But even though our breath is essential to our physical and mental well-being, it has been proven that we use less of our lung capacity as we grow older.

Think about it. When you’re stressed, is your breath deep or shallow? If you’re like most people, you probably hold your breath. But this is the worst thing to do. What we really need to do when we’re stressed is breathe.

There are so many health issues and benefits tied to your breath. Understanding the importance of breathing correctly is one of the biggest health changes you can make.

Benefits of Proper Breathing

When we inhale and exhale completely, our breath can boost our energy levels, relieve pain and stress, improve our immune system and help us sleep better. It also helps us recover from exercise, pain or illness more quickly.

While there are many different physical health benefits to proper breathing, it can also have a positive effect on our mental state. Deep breathing can signal your body to relax in times of stress, uncertainty or fear.

Incorporating Your Breath into Your Morning Ritual

Starting each morning with a morning routine or ritual is a great way to kick-start your day. You could choose to start your day with meditation practice, Bible study, yoga practice or Tony Robbins’ personal favorite: priming.

When performed with intention, each of these rituals will have a calming yet energizing effect on your day. They also provide a space to practice your breathing exercises – which set you up to take on any stress the world throws your way, let it roll through you and release.

Tips to Improve Your Breathing

To improve your breathing, try these breathing exercises to strengthen your lungs. First, adjust your posture. When you sit up straight, you allow the lungs to expand more quickly and efficiently. The air is able to travel in and out of the lungs and reach your bloodstream without being blocked or impeded.

Be sure to fill your lungs completely by focusing on filling your lungs like a paper bag. Once you’re ready to exhale, try to push all of the air out of the bag.

You can also try the power breath method. In this method, take ten power breaths three times a day. A power breathe follows a 1:4:2 ratio like this:

Try these techniques a few times a day and notice how your body reacts. Do you have more energy? Do you feel happier?

These tips are also good breathing exercises for stress relief and general health needs.

The next time you’re feeling stressed, remember these tips and lean into your breathing exercises. It really is amazing what a good breath can do.