Breathe Deeply to Reduce Stress
Deep breathing increases lung capacity and elasticity and overall breathing capacity. Increased oxygen intake fights free radicals and nourishes every aspect of your body.
Breath is the connection between mind and body. When someone is emotionally stressed, the advice “take a deep breath” makes sense for sound physiological reasons.
“A deep, full breath can help you to relax, focus, and re-energize.” Dr. Steven Weiniger
When someone is stressed their body and muscles tighten and contract, they take shallow quick breaths. This stressed breathing usually occurs from the chest. A stressed person’s chest will rise and fall, and their shoulders are often lifted towards their ears.
When you shift your breathing from your chest to your lower belly by taking slow deep belly breaths the brain signals the body to relax and a sense of calm is restored. Muscles release and breathing capacity improves, which allows the heart rate to return to normal and blood pressure to lower.
You can use breathing techniques to reduce stress naturally, and as a tool to calm yourself in stressful situations. 7 Steps to StrongPosture® program 4th Step is called “Breathe Strong”. The entire step is devoted to the proper way to breathe and covers:
- How to breathe from the core
- Proper breathing techniques
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Practice demo videos for breathing
7 Steps to StrongPosture®
Dr. Steven Weiniger
