How can I breathe more deeply?

This may sound like the most obvious of all instructions, but breathing properly is one of the most useful skills you can develop.  I am not suggesting that you have forgotten how to breathe in and out of course, but perhaps you have forgottent to take the time to breathe deeply and fully?

Oxygen is vital for life, it allows nutrients to be transported by the body and literally breathes life into us.  Despite this, most of us breathe just enough to stay alive and this is one of the most common reasons people experience fatigue and brain fog.  Our brain needs oxygen to be alert and vital and if we are not breathing deeply enough we will feel sluggish, irritable, anxious, depressed and lacking in vital nutrients.

So, how do we ensure that our breathing is sufficient?  The respiratory system is a muscular network which needs strengthening and stretching in the same way as the rest of our body.  The best way to increase our breathing capacity and absorb more oxygen is to practice deep breathing on a regular basis.

Here is a simple example to get you started:

Breathing Exercise - 5 Minutes

This can be done before bed or first thing in the morning before you get out of bed.  When you breathe in feel your belly extending and allow your shoulders to remain relaxed.  Get used to this way of breathing which allows your diaphragm to fully extend.  When you exhale pull your stomach in tightly to completely contract your diaphragm and release all wastes and toxins from your system.

1. Breathe in for the count of four.
2. Hold that breath for the count of two.
3. Breathe out for the count of four.
3. Hold that breath for the count of two.
4. Breath in for the count of four.

Repeat this pattern for the full five minutes, when you hold the breath imagine you are simply pausing and not struggling.  If you find the pattern challenging then simply breathe in and out for the count of two and only hold for one count.  The purpose is to take as much breath in and out of your body as you can, increasing your focus, breathing and creating a feeling of relaxation and calm.

Good Luck!
Josie.