Breath Awareness as a Relaxation Technique

Nov. 8, 2010 - PRLog -- Proper breathing and breath awareness are key to good health, relaxation and overall well-being.

How Are They Connected?

When we are stressed or anxious, we tend to hold our breath or take quick, shallow breaths from the upper chest. Chest breathing causes the heart and lungs to work harder, reducing our level of energy and our ability to stay calm and focused. By consciously shifting to abdominal (diaphragmatic) breathing, we can reduce the intensity of our emotional response and approach stressful situations more effectively.

How Should I Breathe?

At rest and during usual daily activities, you should breathe diaphragmatically through your nose. 40% of people do not breathe optimally or correctly. To observe healthy diaphragmatic breathing, watch the way a baby or a dog breathes. You will notice that as they breathe in, the belly fills and as they breathe out, it flattens back down. The movement of the belly is caused by the diaphragm (a muscle in the lower chest) moving down, so that the lungs can completely fill with air.

Read more at http://health-informer.com/breath-awareness

# # #

Unique and interesting articles about security and health issues that affect people today. Topics covered are: Diet, nutrition and fitness.