The benefits of proper breathing have become strangely lost to recent generations despite how invaluable breathing is to our lives. Breathing is one of the most crucial functions of the body, if not the most vital, and it’s done almost entirely automatically!
Of course, that also means that we have all probably developed our fair share of bad habits along the way. Like anything with bodily processes, poor functionality is bound to occur and will only worsen if uncorrected. Think of breathing as being similar to good posture or a proper running style; while we can all stand and move well enough, that doesn’t mean we can do it optimally. Like poor posture, poor breathing can lead to chronic conditions that become debilitating if left long enough without a remedy.
Thankfully, at Breathwrk, we aim to help you make the changes you need to improve your health and well-being by educating everyone on the benefits of controlled breathing. In today’s blog, we’re going to uncover the mysteries of bell breathing and how this technique can unlock powerful benefits for your mental health.
Read on!
Belly Breathing?
Yes, belly breathing. While it may have a slightly ridiculous sounding name, bell breathing is a well-known technique that forms the basis of many meditation methods and styles.
Sometimes referred to as “yogic breathing,” belly breathing involves moving your diaphragm as you breathe in such a way as to give the impression you’re breathing through your belly. Belly breathing is also referred to as “diaphragmatic breathing” as a result.
Simply place one hand above your belly button and your other hand over your heart. Then, close your eyes and breathe in deeply a few times, letting your hands move with your belly and chest with every inhale and exhale.
While it sounds delightfully simple, belly breathing can be hugely beneficial when done consistently and effectively. But, just how does it help? Well, we’re glad you asked.
Benefits of Belly Breathing
When you start to think about it, there are a lot of benefits to belly breathing, but we’ll go through the major ones below:
- Respiratory Efficiency: Belly breathing profoundly affects the body’s ability to maintain efficient gas exchange. This allows cells to carry more oxygen and reduce lethargy and brain fog.
- Improved Relaxation: Trying to relax on purpose is always an impossible task. However, diaphragmatic breathing allows the body to trigger a relaxation response more frequently. Thus, reducing anxiety and allowing for better sleep and digestion.
- Pain Relief: Stress is often intimately associated with chronic pain in the body, with increased stress often exacerbating the pain felt.
- Posture: Belly breathing has a crucial effect on developing core muscles, helping you maintain a better posture and further reducing pains felt in your body from poor stances.
For more information regarding how to manage your breathing for a more effective lifestyle, visit our other blogs here at The Exhale to get the latest tips and tricks. For free guided breathing exercises that you can take anywhere, try out the Breathwrk app here.
And remember: Breathe Better, Live Better.
Ciao!
