Wellbeing Wednesdays

We breath every minute from the moment we are born until we die. Sometimes we hold our breath but not for long. Eventually you will pass out and your brain will ensure that you breath again. And yet, as adults we are not very good at breathing. For tips on how to breath well we could watch a small child.

Somehow we forget to breath properly as we become adults. Somewhere between childhood and adulthood we start to breath with our chests and forget to 'stomach breath'. When we breath our tummy's should move in and out with each breath. This helps our oxygen exchange and it also aids digestion. It helps to reduce stress and is used for the meditive styles of exercise including yoga and Tai Chi.

We can improve our health by breathing properly a just 10 times a day. Imagine how amazing we will be feeling if we breath properly for most of the day. So take a few minutes to breath, the way nature intended. Place your hands on your tummy and as you breath in through your nose feel your tummy move out. Breath in slowly over the count of 4. Now hold for 2 seconds. Gently and slowly breath out over 6 seconds. Repeat this style of breathing 4 more times.

This tummy breathing is a wonderful way to start our day and can also be used in bed just before we go to sleep. We can use it during the day when we start to feel stressed or anxious.We can breath this way just to enjoy how it feels and our bodies will thank us for it.

Have a go and enjoy the way it feels.

warmest wishes
Sarah