How Does my Breathing Impact My Health?

Life’s rapid pace can often leave us feeling stressed and overworked. While a certain amount of stress can serve as a motivating force, too much can lead to a myriad of issues, including emotional discomfort, physical tension, anxiety, depression, shortness of breath, and concentration difficulties. However, there is a simple yet potent tool within our grasp that can help us regain balance and mitigate stress – deep breathing techniques.

When incorporated into each asana (posture), deep breathing can counterbalance the irregularity or shortness of breath often associated with stress, instilling a sense of calmness and emotional stability. Our breath is intimately connected to our emotions and mental state, hence controlling our breath can grant us control over these areas. Further, learning deep relaxation techniques can equip us with effective skills to manage stress, rein in wandering thoughts, and achieve mental clarity.

The journey begins with observing your breath. How would you describe it? Is it smooth or irregular? Shallow or deep? Easy or strained? Where does it stop – at your heart, your upper abdomen, or does it descend all the way to your pelvis?

Synchronizing your breath with your heartbeat can harmonize your cardiovascular and respiratory systems, inducing a calming effect on your brain. The immediate sensation is tranquillity, but it also subtly elevates your body’s energy levels.

Here’s an exercise to try: Sit comfortably on the floor with your spine erect. Draw a slow, gentle breath through your nose, guiding it all the way down to your pelvis. Retain the breath for as long as you comfortably can, then gradually exhale through your nose, letting your body naturally release the air. Stay in this ’empty’ state until it feels right to inhale again. The resonant frequency for most people lies between 6 to 7.5 breaths per minute, which aligns with a heart rate of 50 to 70 beats per minute.

By understanding and harnessing our breath’s power, we can transform stress into serenity, regain emotional control, and foster a clear, peaceful state of mind.