Yeah, right – forget to breathe? That seems like the only thing in our fast-paced lives that we don’t have to worry about. Unless we’re not breathing at all, but that’s another thing altogether.
But seriously, changing the way you are breathing can be an amazingly effective (not to mention cheap and easy) way to lower your stress level. Let’s face it, most of us rush around for most of our waking hours. So our bodies naturally fall into a rhythm of quick and shallow breathing. This pattern inhibits our ability to take in beneficial amounts of oxygen.
Oxygen is the most vital nutrient for our bodies. And our brain requires more oxygen than any other organ. If it doesn’t get enough, the result can be devastating including mental sluggishness, depression and eventually vision and hearing decline. In fact, some studies link a lack of oxygen to far more serious health concerns including – are you ready for this? – cancer!!
A German study showed that when oxygen was withdrawn, normal body cells could turn into cancer cells. Yikes!! So what can you do to increase the level of oxygen in your body? It’s easy!! Several times a day, remind yourself to slow your breathing down and to do it deeply. Focus on taking in a slow, deep breath over a count of five. Breathe in through your nose, hold for a couple of seconds, and then release it slowly over a count of five. Repeat this process 5 times several times a day and you will realize the short and long term effects that increased oxygen levels have on the body! Some benefits include increased mental alertness, increased energy and decreased toxins! Just by starting with this simple exercise of breath awareness, you can eventually develop better breathing habits. So start right now. You’ll be glad you did!
Molly Luffy, MBA, owner of Work Ethic Wizard, dedicated to helping managers regain their sanity and employees survive and thrive in todays corporation. Author of Super-Charge Your Promotion Quotient: 225 Success Strategies for the New Professional. http://www.workethicwizard.com/default.cfm
