Considering how often it’s done, breathing is an automatic function that we hardly think about. Even if you’re one to practice mindful breathing, the moments you breathe unconsciously still outweigh those that you do by far.
Aside from the known function of fueling our bodies with oxygen and powering our vital organs, breathing can help with other things that aren’t entirely obvious. We breathe to relieve stress, when we’re working out, and to catch our breath. But breathing can also help with these unique aspects.
1. Loving Yourself
What seems like an uphill battle of therapy, countless affirmations, and moments of struggle might be improved by breathing. Breathing from an unconscious to a conscious act is a form of self-love. It is beneficial for the moments where you need nothing but self-care and nourishment. It’s a simple gift you can give yourself that allows for circulation and calming.
2. Staying Focused
Do you have trouble staying focused? Breathing can help to send blood flow and oxygen to the brain that essentially helps to cool it down. When we experience this cooldown, we’re more alert and awake. This is the reason that we yawn, which is an involuntary form of gasping for breath.
If you have asthma and are trying to ditch medication or an inhaler, certain breathing techniques could help to treat it. Even those who have asthma due to genetic reasons can benefit from this.
4. Your Mood
Lots of things can affect our mood, as you’re likely aware of. We often think of these things as the positive and negative extremes in our daily lives, but what about breath? Have you ever really considered that your mood could be improved by breathing? Breathing fresh air can help to lift your mood.
5. Increasing Your Lifespan
This one varies slightly, but controlling your breathing can affect your lifespan. Most people might assume that breathing more or always breathing deeper is best. Breathing less can increase your chances of living longer.
There you have it, GR8 friends, I’d hit you with a breath pun—but you’re already doing it.