Inhale. Exhale. We do it continuously. We breathe every day. It’s an essential function for survival. What if I tell you, you’re breathing the wrong way!
Are you surprised? You shouldn’t be.
Breathing is not as simple as it may seem. It’s a complete exercise, and there’s a proper technique to breathe. And you know what, proper breathing can help you reduce stress and anxiety, in the words of Dr. Nate Dallas, the author of an unorthodox self-help guide that is more than just an autobiographical account.
Dr. Nate Dallas, in his unconventional yet engaging autobiographical guide, You’re Too Good to Feel This Bad, has explained some effective and result-oriented tips to improve your well-being. One of the tips is about proper breathing techniques. This book is quite different from other books, as it delves into the minutest details of his routine life, covering the physiological, psychological, and emotional aspects that drive our very existence. The most important point is that it resonates with people of all ages and urges them to accept the challenges and drive themselves to become their best version.
This blog highlights the significance of proper breathing techniques and offers practical tips to improve your health because, as they say, health is wealth.
3 Simple Breathing Techniques You Should Implement Right Now
Check out three simple breathing techniques to improve your physiological and psychological well-being.
1. Breathing Through Your Diaphragm:
Lungs, one of the most important organs in the human body, play a crucial role in respiration. When we breathe, the gaseous exchange of Oxygen (O2) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) occurs.
However, breathing also requires the right muscle movement. We can breathe through the chest or diaphragm as they contract and expand to let the airflow. The author recommends using the diaphragm to breathe. While breathing, focus on your abdomen. It should move out when you inhale the air and tighten when you exhale the air. Do ensure not to move your chest while breathing.
2. Take Short Breaths Instead of Long Ones:
Another aspect that you can consider to improve your breathing relates to the duration of each breath. The time you take to inhale and exhale air. The author explains that bigger breaths often tire out the muscles and even reduce the volume of Oxygen we get from fresh air.
Alternatively, you can incorporate deep breathing exercises to ensure you get the required volume of Oxygen using the diaphragm. Harvard studies also indicate that deep breathing technique slows the heartbeat and stabilizes blood pressure.
3. Breath Through Your Nose Instead of the Mouth:
All of us breathe through either mouth or nose. Those who use their mouth to breathe often suffer from dry mouth, bad breath, skeletal deformities, and even tooth decay. On the other hand, as the author suggests, breathing through the nostrils is much more effective. Not only do they prevent the above conditions, they also serve as:
- Critical air filters for removing pollutants and allergens.
- Sterilizers to sanitize and clean the inhaled air.
- Hydrators that hydrate the air that flows in and out of the body.
- Temperature regulators that keep the air warm enough to suit the human body.
Final Note:
While breathing is a routine procedure, using a proper technique can significantly impact your health and well-being. This blog offered a glimpse into diaphragmatic breathing, shorter breaths, and nasal breathing – all practices that you can incorporate into your daily routine.
For more understanding about living a better life, including improving your breathing practice, get your hands on Dr. Nate Dallas’ book You’re Too Good to Feel This Bad. It’s available on Amazon. This autobiographical self-help guide explores a three-tier approach to tackle anxiety and improve your overall well-being – from sleep and exercise to mindset and relationships. Get a copy on Amazon, or order it from the website today.
