Part of The RelaxStrat Series by Meeko.
Practise deep breathing to relax. When you breathe deeply, a message is sent to your brain to calm down and relax. Please watch my deep breathing (not snoring!) video demonstration with sound on loud. (I apologise for the poor sound quality - the “boss” does not seem to have good recording technique.)
Benefits of deep breathing include:
Decreases stress, increases calm. Taking deep breaths slows your heart rate, increases the oxygen levels in your blood stream and ultimately tells your brain to relax. Once this happens, cortisol, the "stress hormone" released by your brain when you are stressed or anxious, lowers.
Relieves pain. Deep breathing does not only decrease cortisol, it also increases your endorphins, the "feel good" chemical. Endorphins also combats pain.
Detoxifies the body. 70% of toxin cleansing is done via breathing therefore it is important to fully release carbon monoxide. When you do not breathe fully, your body works overtime to release toxins. Deep breathing also helps stimulate the lymphatic system.
Boosts immunity. Cortisol suppresses the immune system by reducing your number of white blood cells. Deep breathing lowers cortisol, leaving you less vulnerable to viruses and chronic disease.
Increases energy. Deep breathing ramps up blood flow and increases oxygenation leading to more energy and improved stamina.
Improves blood circulation. Blood vessels dilate when your muscles relax, improving circulation. Your heart rate also slows with deep breathing helping to lower your blood pressure.
Improves digestion. Breathing deeply supplies more oxygen to our whole body including our digestive system, thus making it work more efficiently. The increased blood flow due to deep breathing also encourages intestinal action which further improves your overall digestion.
Helps improve posture. To breathe deeply, your lungs need to expand to their maximum capacity. Your diaphragm needs to pull down to accommodate the expanded lungs and your torso lengthens and straightens!
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