How to Breathe Your Way to a Healthier Life

We don’t need a doctor to tell us that breathing is good for us. It’s an essential part of life that our body automatically does for us. But what if we became more aware of each breath and started focusing on the quality and the intention behind each breath? 

Let’s look at two parts of the nervous system- the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. Each has its purpose. The sympathetic nervous system governs our fight or flight mode. It’s what keeps us safe from predators. We can be in fight or flight all day, with no real predators besides the predators of our minds alone could be enough to keep the body in high alert. The parasympathetic nervous system is in charge of the rest and digest response. It’s the part of the nervous system that activates when we feel safe and relaxed. Without any outside stressors to battle, the parasympathetic nervous system signals the body to rest, digest and relax. 

When we breathe deeply we can switch on the power of the parasympathetic nervous system. 

Try this- inhale for a count of two and then exhale for a count of four. Repeat that a few times.

Now inhale for a count of three and exhale for a count of six. Repeat. 

Lastly , inhale for a count of four and exhale for a count of eight. Repeat a few times. Pause and notice. How do you feel?

Does the body feel more relaxed? If so, you just helped activate the power of your body’s rest and digest response with the simple awareness of the breath. Way to go!