Just Breathe

Most people do not think twice about their breathing pattern because it is automatic, right? Unconsciously we all continue to breathe due to our autonomic nervous system but to what extent do we give ourselves what our bodies need for optimum health? It was when I began running that I started paying more attention to my breathing habits. One takes note, especially when they're gasping for air and everyone around them seems to breathe effortlessly. In my research I found to optimize our breath intake, we should understand a few fundamental principles of how the respiratory process works and interacts with the body and mind. Because the act of breathing itself is somewhat mindless, many do not understand that the effects of inhalation and exhalation extend far beyond the physical exchange of air in and out of the body. They extend to the workings of the heart and lungs as well as to subtle molecular processes through which the body’s energy production is maintained. Our cells need a continuous source of energy; our respiration is one of the sources that supply energy. It stands to reason that an insufficient supply of oxygen to meet the body’s energy demands would result in a reduction of cellular functioning or even death. For optimum wellness, we should consider that different breathing patterns can take a toll on our bodies. The importance of maintaining health is not solely the content of our consumption or exercise; it too requires quality of our breathing. When we pay attention, we see that breathing is either • diaphragmatic or thoracic • continuous or interrupted by pauses • rhythmical or irregular We have all experienced changes in our breathing under varying circumstances such as fear, anger, sorrow and physical exertion; so each event affects the breath. You'll find when we intentionally or unconsciously alter our pattern of inhalation and exhalation, it will affect our physical and emotional state. Short, quick, shallow breaths exacerbate negativity while deep breathing calms and supplies our bodies with ample oxygen for optimum performance. Some of us have unintentionally set up physical responses to emotional triggers that over time become a habitual pattern of behavior. In other words, we interrupt a natural and healthy process of respiration. To correct the ill effects of this upon our mind and body we need to pay attention to our breath and practice quality breathing. With repeated efforts, over time, we can re-train our muscles and automatic responses through breathing exercises to have a direct influence on our body’s total health.