Breathing Exercises Help Beat Stress

Breathing exercises help you get back in touch with a basic function of life - breathing. We were meant to breathe like sleeping infants. Instead most of us breathe as if we're trying to take just enough air in to get by.

Most adults are shallow breathers (called thoracic breathing). We get this way because of stress and negative experiences of life. Our stomach tenses and we breathe more quickly.

In addition, we're always being told to suck in our stomach. So we do. As we do this, our breath is stifled and shallow because we're supposed to engage our stomach to help us breathe.

Effects of Shallow Breathing

An effect of shallow breathing is stagnating, stale air left in the lower portion of the lungs. Deep breathing is able to expel that air and allow in new fresh air.

Toxins build up in our cells over the years. Thoracic breathing causes them to move out too slowly. Our energy is stifled and our mood is affected.

Also, as we age, a lifetime of shallow breathing causes flexibility in your chest to decrease. This leads to hunching, which leads to running out of breath.

Proper Breathing Has Benefits

There are so many benefits of proper breathing. Stress reduction is just one of them. Among others is improved mood, reduced blood pressure, better sleep, better appearance, and more harmony of body and mind.

The great thing about breathing exercises is that you can do them so easily throughout the day, and many times a day, without disturbing much of your schedule. They don't have to take up much time. No need for a great life-style change. They're free. They're easy!

Below is a list of exercises you can find at this site:

  1. Abdominal Breathing

  2. Relaxation Breathing

  3. High Tension Breath

  4. Stress Release Breathing

  5. Ocean Sounding Breath

  6. Cleansing Breath

  7. Autogenic Breathing

      8. There are many to choose from. Pick the ones you like the best. Do them daily, several times a day. You'll be amazed at the results!

      Tip

      I'd like to mention that for these stress-related breathing exercises, it's important to take it slow and easy. No need to force or rush. You don't want to feel tight or tense. The purpose is to relax and let go of stress and tension.

      __________________________________________________________________

      Breathe In, Breathe Out, James E. Loehn, Ed.D and Jeffrey A. Migdow, M.D., Time Life, Inc, 1999

      Return from Breathing Exercises to Home


      footer for breathing exercises page