Finding Balance in Our Insanely Busy World…Take a Deep Breath!

Honoring yourself enough to schedule time with

yourself is the first step in mastering stress!

Have you noticed how everyone is so busy these days? Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by all this ‘busyness’? I was thinking the other day about times past; sitting on the porch swing drinking in the fresh air and the sweet smell of summer. Do you find yourself wishing that you could return to those days? I know I do! It was so relaxing - like time stood still.

In this high tech. insanely busy world we live in today, it has become a daily struggle to find time to relax; time to regroup. In today’s blog, I want to explore the idea of carving out just five minutes twice a day. Five minutes to recharge. Five minutes to de-stress. Five minutes to, not only keep your sanity, but revitalize your body, mind and soul.

I was introduced to the benefits and techniques of deep breathing about a year ago by a doctor while I was in Scottsdale, AZ. I was amazed how a few minutes of deep breathing at bedtime relaxed my body and brought on a wonderful, deep sleep. I also started slowing down the speed on the treadmill, after doing my warm up, and practiced five minutes of deep breathing. The increase in stamina for the rest of my workout astonished me! I had now become totally convinced of the power of deep breathing. Here are some of the incredible benefits:

1)      Detoxifies and releases toxins

Did you know that your body is designed to release 70% of its toxins through breathing? If you are not breathing effectively, other systems in your body have to work overtime to eliminate these toxins. This stress on your system could eventually lead to illness.

2)      Releases tension

3)      Oxygenates the brain and reduces excessive anxiety levels

4)      Relieves pain

5)      Massages your organs

The movement of the diaphragm during deep breathing exercises massages the stomach, small intestine, liver and pancreas. The upper movement of the diaphragm also massages the heart. This improves your organs’ circulation.

6)      Tones abdominal muscles

7)      Increases muscle mass

8)      Strengthens the immune system

9)      Improves posture

10)     Improves the quality of your blood

11)     Improves digestion

The digestive organs, such as the stomach, receive more oxygen and hence operate more efficiently.

12)     Improves the nervous system

The brain, spinal cord and nerves receive increased oxygenation and are more nourished.

13)     Strengthens the lungs

14)     Makes the heart stronger

15)     Assists in weight control

If you are overweight, the extra oxygen burns up the excess fat more efficiently. If you are underweight, the extra oxygen feeds the starving tissues and glands.

16)     Boosts energy levels and improves stamina

17)     Improves cellular regeneration

18)     Elevates moods

How to Breath Properly:

Breathe deeply into your abdomen, not just your chest. Breathing exercises should be deep, slow, rhythmic, and through the nose, not through your mouth. The most important part of deep breathing is to regulate your breaths, three to four seconds in, and three to four seconds out. Just imagine inflating a balloon. Inhale and fill your lungs completely and exhale until you empty all the air from your lungs (think deflated balloon).

1)      While counting to 5, inhale through your nose, expanding your belly, filling your chest with oxygen. As you inhale, push your shoulders back.

2)      Hold and count to 3. Feel all your cells loaded with calming, healing, and balancing energy?

3)      While counting to 5, exhale fully from a slightly parted mouth, allowing your shoulders to fall forward. Feel your cells releasing waste and cleansing your body from damaging toxins.

Funny how something so simple could do so much towards revitalizing your entire bodily system. All it takes is a few minutes each day, scheduled by you and just for you!

Deep breathing is your first baby step towards a healthier more vibrant and beautiful you!  Are you ready to feel absolutely amazing and incredibly energized? Well, what are you waiting for? Inhale and count... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5…

  

Tip: For those busy bees, who think there’s not a minute to spare for anything additional, let alone breathing!

                    Practice deep breathing when you:

                    Commute to work

Taxi kids to/from school and activities

                    Workout

                    Go for a walk

                    Prepare meals

                    Wait in line (good de-stressor)