The Importance of Breathing

Breathing is something we do without even realising. We started breathing as soon as we were born, and we will continue to do so until we pass. Breathing is something that happens without us physically focussing on it approximately 26,000 times a day. It is one of the only functions in our body that has the ability to operate without constant control. Now let’s be honest, when was the last time you solely focused on inhaling and exhaling?

Even though we don’t have to control our breath all the time, there are benefits to focussing on our breathing. When breathing in a conscious and mindful way, is transformative for our health:

• enhanced brain function

• calm nervous system

• toned vagus nerve

• reduced stress and anxiety

• improved sleep

• detoxed body

• improved recovery rate, and

• positive impact on mental and physical health.

Mindful breathing practice is ideal for taking back control of your breathing when it is necessary. You only need to focus on your breath for five minutes a day to start to feel the benefits.

Did you know that we can survive three weeks without food, three days without water but only one minute without air? This shows us how vital our breathing is to our survival and health. We should all nurture the importance of breathing.

Breathing in and out purely through your nose can improve your lung function, mental health, stimulate your brain and calm your nervous system. Try this simple nasal breathing rounds to practise slowing down your breath:

o   Breathe in through the nose and out through the nose.

o   Visualise white (or any colour that seems right to you) light coming into your head as you breathe in, imagine it travelling behind your belly button and when it reaches there it turns to an exhale and you visualise the white light moving down you body and out your feet on your out breath.

o   Repeat this pattern. 

Let your breathing be slow, deep and controlled!