The benefits of breathing are endless.......massaging to digestive system, increased oxygen to organs (and the brain!!!!), engaging the parasympathetic nervous system (so that we rest and digest), combat stress, increased clarity of mind............
So why is it that we all breathe like pigeons?? Research shows that a good 90% of us breathe like little birds, panting in to our chests. If you watch a baby or small child breathe you will see that they do so with their whole body!! We have learnt through bad habits and socially acceptable stomach sucking to breathe with as little movement as possible.
The great thing is that you can change all of this and effect remarkable changes to your body and mind just by changing the way you breathe!!
Start by taking taking a big deep breath. Let your stomach rise first and then your chest fill. Feel how it stretches into your torso. Some of you may feel restricted and breathless to start with as the muscles stretch and are worked. Keep with it and it feels great. Breathing has the ability to relax and calm. When we sleep we come into a natural rhythm of breathing in for 3 counts and out for 5. Try it and see how you feel.
Now that I am in the habit I regularly catch myself throughout the day and take a deep breath to make sure i'm not panting. It makes such a difference. We don't need to get caught up in all sorts of breathing exercise and regimes (although there are plenty if you like). All we need to do is BREATHE. Take a nice big gulp of air and sigh into bliss.......float your way through the day!! :)
For more info here are a couple of good sites.
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
http://www.yogajournal.com
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