Breath is one of the most important aspects of our lives. It is truly the best way we have to know that we are alive. Although it may seem like such a simple task, and possibly a simplistic topic, breath is truly a process that should be discussed more often and given more credit as to its effectiveness in maintaining health and happiness.
The Many Functions of Breath
Breath constantly working to oxygenate and eliminate toxins from the body. Breathing can help to calm a person when stressed, work faster when they are in a dangerous situation, and listening to breath can provide a focal point at times when the mind races.
Raise Your Hand if You Breathe Properly
How many people can say that they truly breathe properly? Before answering check your current status. You are most likely sitting upright reading this article, but where is your breath going? When you breath in does it travel all the way down to your diaphragm so it feels like it is stretching into your abdomen? Most likely your breath is going to about the center of your chest and is relatively short and shallow.
Breath and States of Mind
How does breath change with states of mind? During periods of nervousness, tenseness or stress breath seems to shorten in response to the instinctive fight or flight mechanism. Our body’s tendency in is to release adrenalin speeding up blood flow and heart rate causing more shallow and frequent breaths. These shallow, frequent breaths allow the body to take in more oxygen faster so that operations might be more quickly performed. In this state high adrenalin levels contribute to quicker thinking , creating ease in tasks comparable to running from predators. The problem is that the body cannot distinguish the difference between an argument with a spouse and being chased by a hungry man-eating lion. Although many coworkers might seem like predators at times, people do not usually have to worry about being chased for food.
During times of emotional stress or crying some people begin to hyperventilate. Breath speeds up drastically or is sometimes held. This is a more exaggerated version of the previously discussed fight or flight response.
During times of mild frustration people may sigh deeply, a seemingly appropriate response to "clear the head" or "take a breather." Deep breaths tend to have a calming, centering effect that can help keep the feet on the ground.
Teach Breathing Early
Children who are old enough to understand language are old enough to begin learning to breathe properly. When a child gets hurt and cries he/she might being to respond irrationally to a scrape or a cut. Parents should encourage the child to take deep, long breaths. This simple addition to a childhood injury could have an astounding affect from the parent's point of view. A child given this gift at an early age may have the ability to stay calm in tense situations down the road.
Using Breath Daily
The next time you find yourself stressed or in a sticky situation notice your breath. Make a conscious effort to take deep breaths, all the way into your belly until you can feel the wave of calm wash over you. This act will not only take your mind off the current conflict, helping to calm and relax you but also, hopefully bring your heart rate a little closer to normal, allowing you to respond in a rational manner.
Breathing can also be useful for a relaxing break from the ordinary. Just taking a break, sitting and noticing breath can make the world disappear for a few minutes, creating space in cares and issues that may before have seemed insurmountable.
There are innumerable ways to use breathing as an advantage. Over time breath can positively affect health by reducing stress and detoxifying the body. Breath can also help those who must conquer a quick decision to choose wisely. Daily use of any breath practice can be the gift you never expected to give yourself!
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