You might have noticed that people often suggest you breathe in and out when you are anxious. While breathing is an inevitable part of your life, the benefits of deep breathing are plenty. Deep breathing is an easy yet effective approach to destress your mind and improve your health. Here are seven health benefits of deep breathing and how you can practice it.
Health Benefits Of Deep Breathing
Helps Reduce Stress & Anxiety
If you are stressed and frustrated and unable to figure out things, take a deep breath. The parasympathetic nerve system, which calms the body and lessens the "fight or flight" reaction, is activated by deep breathing. You can lower your blood pressure, slow down your heart rate, and foster feelings of relaxation by taking slow and deep breaths.
Also Read: Deep Breathing: What It Is, Why You Should Practise It Daily
Improves Mental Health
Deep breathing can also help improve concentration and focus. You may relax your brain and sharpen your focus by taking slow and deliberate breaths. This can be especially beneficial when we are worried or overloaded with work.
Strengthens Your Immunity
Deep breathing can also help strengthen your immunity by increasing the number of white blood cells in your body. Having more white blood cells can keep us healthier because they are involved in the body's defence against infections and sickness.
Improves Your Respiratory System
Deep breathing can also promote the respiratory health of your body. By drawing in more air with your diaphragm muscles during deep breathing, you can enable your lungs to expand and absorb more oxygen. People who suffer from respiratory diseases like asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can find this to be beneficial.
Helps You Sleep Better
If you have trouble sleeping or wake up in the middle of the night, try practising deep breathing. These exercises can help you relax and make your sleep quicker by triggering the parasympathetic nervous system before bed. For those who suffer from sleep apnoea or other breathing-related sleep disorders, deep breathing can also assist control their breathing patterns.
Aids In Digestion
Deep breathing can also help promote your digestive health. When you are stressed or anxious, your body can enter into a state of "fight or flight," which can slow down digestion. By practising deep breathing, you can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and can help improve digestion.
Also Read: What Is 4-7-8 Breathing Technique And How It Benefits You?
Keeps You Energised
One of the simplest things you can do to keep your body energised is deep breathing. This is because deep breathing can improve blood flow and oxygen in your body, allowing you to fill your body with more oxygen, which can make us feel more energised and awake.
How To Practice Deep Breathing
There are several ways to practice deep breathing. You can select the option that best suits you. One of the simplest ways to practice is as follows:
Step 1: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position, with your shoulders relaxed and your spine straight.
Step 2: Now, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Fill your lungs with air by taking a slow, deep breath through your nose.
Step 3: Hold your breath for some time.
Step 4: Allow all the air in your lungs to slowly leave your body by exhaling through your mouth.
Step 5: Repeat this process for several minutes.
