Photography credit: Amanda Hirsch
I hope you all enjoyed your holiday! As we get closer to the New Year, It is common to think of what we want to change. Change can be big or small, but it is easier to make change become a permanent part of our lives if we are realistic in what we can handle. My suggestion is to start with something basic that you don't need any special gadgets or books to do, something that is already in you. Work on your BREATH and watch the changes unfold!
Breathing is something that we do unconsciously unless we choose to change it. Our bodies are designed to inhale and exhale without our brain having to be involved, and thank goodness! Could you imagine if we had to think about taking a breath in and out while also accomplishing the other 25, 000 things on our plate for the day? Here is a small list of the many benefits of deep breathing followed by step-by-step instructions for you to practice.
1. Breathing increases digestion: When organs receive more oxygen, they operate more efficiently.
2. Breathing relieves pain: Do you hold your breath then something hurts? If you breathe deeply through the pain, it subsides quicker and hurts less.
3. Breathing improves cellular regeneration: I'm not getting any younger, are you?
4. Breathing calms the nervous system: Deep breathing taps into the parasympathetic nervous system also known as rest and digest. If your not running from a bear, it's best that your body understand that this is not a life or death situation.
If you could enjoy all these benefits and then some for free, why wouldn't you?
Deep Breathing:
Sit in a comfortable seat with your legs bent at 90 degrees and both hands on your belly. Inflate your belly on the inhale and bring your belly button to your spine on the exhale. It is important to do this SLOWLY, so you inhale for four counts and exhale for four counts. You can increase one count at a time when you feel that you can go further. Take at least 10 deep slow breaths. When you are done, take a minute to enjoy the calm, present space that is your body.