Just Breathe In

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joy_Gloer]Joy Gloer
Some days it seems impossible to let go of all of the emotional and physical gunk that we collect throughout the day. Energy levels are low, thoughts are negative and shoulders are raised so high that it becomes difficult to locate ones neck. Just breathe. We have all heard it and most of us have advised it but are we really doing it?
Our breath is our life source; we can survive for weeks without food, days without water but only moments without oxygen. It takes no conscious effort on our part to succeed in breathing and it is the first thing we do when we enter this world and the last thing we do prior to our departure. Our breath seems like such a simple thing but as we grow into adults most of us lose our ability to breathe as our bodies would have us do.
Many factors affect our ability to take in full breath cycles such as our posture, our increasing stress levels as we grow older and our vanities. A full breath cycle requires full inhalation which supplies our bodies need for oxygen to keep our cells alive and functioning, for our ability to speak and for every metabolic process our bodies perform, and then we exhale. When we exhale we are detoxifying our bodies from all of the waste products that accumulate in our systems, primarily carbon dioxide.
A young child breathes perfectly and the reason for this is that they have not yet learned about holding in their tummies to make themselves look slimmer nor have they experienced much long term stress so they aren't holding onto their breaths. Children, unless there is some sort of underlying issue are a perfect example of how we should be breathing all of the time.
When we are taking in a full breath our tummies should rise first followed by our chest and then we exhale, but most of us only exhale partially. Exhalation requires more energy and more muscular action than inhalation and because of this many of us never fully release our breath. This is quiet significant for our overall wellbeing as that exhalation is our bodies letting go of all the junk that's of no use and if we aren't letting go of that junk then we are storing it. Our bodies will only take in as much fresh air as it has previously released, so partial exhalation means that we are depriving our bodies of oxygen which we need for literally everything. Without enough oxygen our energy levels will be low, our muscles will ache due to extra tension, our thoughts won't be clear and we will actually cause stress to occur both physically and mentally.

A simple way to improve on your breathing habits is to spend a few minutes a day on purposeful breathing. Sit or lay down with a flat back, exhale for 4-6 seconds and inhale for 2-4 seconds. Inhale through your nose and check in to see if your tummy is rising followed by your chest each time you bring air in and when you exhale do so either through your nose or your mouth. I find exhalation through the mouth, especially accompanied by a sigh is the best way to let go of tension and useless thoughts. It's relaxing and it simply feels good. Spend a few minutes a day doing this, take it one step further and add some visualization, stretching or meditation. In with the good and out with all the jive!
Check in with yourself before, during and after this breathing exercise. I guarantee that you will feel your muscles releasing tension, your mind will feel much more organized, clear and focused and your overall mood will improve.
Are bodies have many natural, built in coping mechanisms to allow ourselves to relax, unwind and generally feel good. These mechanisms only work though if we turn to them. Never underestimate the power you have over your own well being, take control of the thing you can control, YOU and exhale the rest.
For more information behind the anatomy of breathing and breathing exercises I suggest "The Power of Breathe" by Swami Saradananda.
Joy Gloer is the owner and operator of In Touch Wellness.
My focus is with professionals, whose stress levels are causing them pain and may be making them sick. Many of my clients had been looking for answers to their pain for years. I specialize in pain relief, relaxation and de-stressing, what's more important is that here you will learn to care for yourself, in doing that, your results will last a life time. I am highly committed to my clients and their goals to improve their wellbeing.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Just-Breathe-In&id=6669093] Just Breathe In