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Breathing Properly

© Gina Dronenburg

Ever feel stressed, anxious and just plain tired? I'm sure we've all been there, but how have we handled it? Some of us exercised our brains out, some of us walked, but did any of us ever think that it might be the way we breathed? (I'm sure someone did, but many of us never really pay too much attention to how we breathe, or even know how to improve out breathing techniques.)

Below, I've listed a few tidbits of information that may help in the alleviation of stress, anxiety, fatigue and even joint pain, not to mention even asthma and sleep and speech disorders. Yes, imagine, all because we need to breathe properly!

First, let's start with some of the reasons our breathing is poor. Of course, stress and anxiety are big culprits, but also are wearing clothes that are too tight, terrible posture, and even at times, surgery.

How does the exchange of breath work? When we take a breath, the oxygen goes to our lungs and is then taken up or absorbed by our bloodstreams. When we breathe out, carbon dioxide leaves our system and is put into the air. The mucous membranes of our lungs is used to eliminate the carbon dioxide. If we are breathing too shallowly, our bodies are not getting rid of enough carbon dioxide. This can cause real problems with cell metabolization, and can cause a real downslide in our mental capacities because our brains are not getting the fresh oxygen they need!

Following is a breathing exercise that, when practiced, will help you to begin breathing from your abdomen and not your chest: (Chest breathing does not expand the lungs to allow for a complete exchange of oxygen.)

A. Lie on the floor. Put your calves or feet on a chair or some sort of stool above your body. Relax.

B. Place two or three books on your belly. Use the appropriate number that is comfortable for you. You can use three at a later time if you feel up to it. Now, breath in very deeply and concentrate on staying calm. You should be able to feel the weight on your stomach.

C. Remove one of the books. Do you notice your belly feeling lighter? Has your breathing become deeper? (It will feel deeper, with only one book left to remove.) Make sure to take them off one at a time, so you can feel

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