When we take two or three minutes a few times a day and breathe consciously, we are priming the brain for increased attention and focus. This focused attention increases an oxygenated blood and glucose flow to the frontal lobes of the brain where emotional regulation, attention and problem solving occur.
Importance of Breathing Properly
- Breathing is something we take for granted
- Breathing can control and enhance any activity, whether mental or physical
- Breathing practice can be accessed in times of stress, tension or physical activity
- It is also an aid to relaxation
- It is the basis of many mindfulness practices
- It can aid in practices aimed at increasing self-awareness/self-regulation
- It can be part of resilience training (strength, endurance, precision, faster recovery).
Everything from the stresses of everyday life to the practice of ‘sucking in’ the stomach for a trimmer waistline encourages us to gradually shift to shallower breathing
You should ask yourself;
- Am I using the best muscles I have for breathing?
- Am I using them effectively?
- Thus, am I breathing in the best way possible?
Benefits of Correct Breathing
Studies done show that 5 mins breathing over 30 days at a rate of 5 breaths per minute will;
- dramatically reduce anxiety and emotional exhaustion
- sustain attention at relaxed levels
- improve sleep disordered breathing
- stabilise the autonomic nervous system
- reduce emotional reactivity
- improve depression.
I can show you how to breathe effectively (breathing mechanics and breathing chemistry) and how this can improve your mental game as well as your ability to recover.