Purpose of Deep Breathing
Everyone, everywhere in the world takes a breath every few seconds. Yet many people often aren't conscious of their breathing and rarely take the time to enjoy a deep breath, which means they're missing out on numerous benefits.
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Relaxation
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The Mayo Clinic says that relaxation techniques such as deep breathing have many health benefits. At its most basic level, deep breathing is simply relaxing. Deep breathing allows stressed or busy people to slow down and relax as their lungs fill with air. If you simply concentrate on taking a deep breath, you'll notice you are more relaxed and calm.
Health Benefits
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Some studies have shown that rapid breathing can lead to health problems such as anxiety, high blood pressure, hyperventilation and even muscle pain. Endorphins, which are small protein molecules known to control pain, heal the body and lower stress levels, are released during deep breathing and are sent throughout the body. Deep breathing is the key to relaxation, because a deep breath sends a message to the brain to relax the rest of the body, according to WebMD.
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Steps
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Deep breathing is more than just holding your breath. To benefit from conscious deep breathing, sit in a quiet area with no distractions. Breathe in through your nose and try to fill your lungs with as much oxygen as is comfortable. Hold the oxygen in your lungs for a few seconds, but not until you feel short of breath. Slowly exhale through your mouth and repeat the process for several minutes.
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References
- Health Mad: Health Benefits of Deep Breathing
- Path 2 Health Living: Try Deep Breathing To Ease Tension, Boost Metabolism
- Holistic Online: Importance Of Breathing
- Web MD: Stress management: Breathing exercises for relaxation
- Mayo Clinic: Relaxation techniques: Essential for reducing stress
- Mayo Clinic: Exercise and stress: Get moving to combat stress
- Photo Credit pilates-breathing stretching image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
