Breathing – something you’re doing right now, probably without even thinking about it, is beneficial to us in many ways. Deep breathing is not only relaxing, it’s been scientifically proven to affect the heart, the brain, digestion, the immune system and maybe even the expression of genes.
Practicing regular deep belly breathing has many health benefits, and is one of the hidden keys to optimum wellness. In fact, people who practice deep belly breathing as little as 10 minutes a day have a much less chance of developing cancer and heart disease, handle stress more effectively and generally have better overall health and well-being.
Here are the 5 mind-blowing benefits which will help you realize the importance of deep diaphragmatic breathing.
- Deep Breathing keeps your heart stronger: Deep breathing reduce the workload on the heart in two ways. Firstly, deep breathing leads to more efficient lungs, which means more oxygen is brought into contact with blood sent to the lungs by the heart. Secondly, deep breathing leads to a greater pressure differential in the lungs, which leads to an increase in the circulation, thus resting the heart a little.
- Deep Breathing helps to cleanse the lungs: Deep breathing can be done to help clear out toxins that may have built up in the lungs which can help improve lung performance and clear airways. Deep breathing gets more nourishing oxygen into your body. Blood that is rich in oxygen will help you feel better, and give you more energy. Deep breathing also reaches the deepest depths of your lungs, and helps to expel and break up residue.
- Deep Breathing improves mental focus: Many clinical studies attest to the benefits of deep-breathing exercises on improving mental performance. The deep breathing exercises helps decrease anxiety and feelings of nervousness and reduced concentration loss. Deep breathing, especially during or after a stressful day at work, can reduce the mental stress and can enhance your overall sense of well-being.
- Deep Breathing helps to relax the nerves: Breathing deeply and slowly gives your nerves time to relax. And the increased amount of oxygen, the major parts of your nervous system i.e. the spinal cord, nerves and the brain are better nourished. Moreover, deep breathing has been shown to cause the brain to increase its release of so-called pleasure neuro-chemicals, thereby giving you a better mood or disposition.
- Deep Breathing enhances digestion: More oxygen is supplied to the digestive organs and thereby helping them to work more efficiently. Deeper breathing also results in an increased blood flow, which in the digestive tract encourages intestinal action and will further improve your overall digestion.
Deep breathing exercises just might save your sanity. So, the next time you feel angry, stressed or anxious, pay attention to your breathing and yes don’t forget to practice deep breathing.
