Breathing is as essential to our bodies as food and water. We can go three days without water but we can't go three minutes without breathing.
Yet, what happens when we are stressed or nervous? We start to breathe really shallow or we tend to hold our breath. This denies us oxygen and can mess up our metabolism.
Conscious breathing is being aware of your breath. It's purposefully taking deep breaths in and out. When we focus on our breath, we become more in tune with our body. It helps to reduce our stress, which in turn effects our minds, as well as our bodies.
How about when you eat in a hurry or under stress? Notice your breath. Are you breathing deeply? Remember that when you deprive your body of oxygen, your metabolism slows down. You will also not fully digest your food which could lead to indigestion, bloating and other digestive issues.
Slow down. Even as you sit at the computer, take a deep breath and slowly let it out.
This culture is all about doing things fast. We almost worship the busy, stressed mom. We tend to think the busier the better. Where does this get us in the long run though? Being busy and not taking the time to slow down and breathe could ultimately result in health problems down the road.
As I write this, it is a beautiful rainy day in Phoenix. I went to a wonderful yoga class at One Love Yoga, in Scottsdale. The teacher reminded us the importance of breath work. It helps to quiet our mind and detoxify our body. I'm sure that she could talk with you more on that subject!
You can even practice deep breathing with your children as you put them to bed at night. It seems to help quiet down my kids as they are in bed.
Choose today to slow down, take deep breaths and enjoy the day the best that you can!
Kellie McGarry
www.nourishedandnew.com
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