This edition of Hood Health 101 delves into the benefits of breathing deeply
I am sure that at some point we have all felt overwhelmed, stressed out, negative, or some other low energy vibration. Now there are many natural or holistic alternatives to address all of the issues listed above, but I bet you never thought of breath as one of them. The way that you breathe can bring you so many benefits and relieve some of the issues that you never thought it could. I recommend that you take time daily to stop, sit, and focus on your breath. Try the sample breathing meditation listed below, it’s perfect for beginners. After your session is over take note to how your feeling before, during, and after your breathing exercises.
Sample Breathing Meditation:
- Gather items such as music, incense, sage, or candles to help set your space for the experience
- Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down
- Start breathing in deeply and slowly through your nose until your lungs are full, wait for 2 seconds, and then release your breath slowly through your mouth until you have completely emptied your lungs
- Do this anywhere from 5 – 30 minutes
- Perform this exercise up to 3 times per day
Benefits of Deep Breathing:
- Breathing releases toxins from your body
- It releases tension in the body
- Excess fluids are released
- Physical appearance is better because of improved circulation
- Reduces feelings of stress and anxiety
- Bring greater degrees of clarity
- Strengthens the immune system
- Elevates moods
- Strengthens the lungs
- Improves the quality of your blood
Breathing techniques can also be employed while doing other activities such as yoga, watching television, or even washing the dishes. All of the benefits listed above can have life altering effects if they are done consistently. As always beloveds, the key is consistency. Many of us are accustomed to breathing shallow. Shallow breaths do not give the body enough oxygen to function in its optimal state to achieve all of the above. As you sit and read this article concentrate on how you’re breathing. Consciously and purposefully breathe deeper and try to do this as much as possible outside of your set breathing meditations.
-Nakeasha Johnson(@NakeashaJ)
