10 Reasons To Take A Deep Breath More Often

Our breath is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal. We use it for self-regulation, energy generation, and maintaining our overall health. Even though we are constantly inhaling and exhaling, the power of breath can be elusive to many of us.

Research suggests that taking a deep breath, which involves breathing more slowly, gently, and deeply helps to remain calm and relaxed and reduce stress. But that's not all, breathing deeply can have multiple benefits for your mind and body that you may not be aware of yet.

Benefits of taking a deep breath

1. Increases calm

When you take a deep breath, your heart rate slows down, more oxygen gets pumped into your blood stream and that ultimately results in signaling your brain to calm down.

2. Reduces your cortisol levels

Stress and anxiety trigger your body to produce more cortisol, which is commonly known as the stress hormone. However, in just a few deep breaths, the vagus nerve can signal your nervous system to lower your heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol.

3. Relieves pain

Deep breathing is known to trigger the release of endorphins in your body that helps create a feeling of calm and help combats pain.

4. Stimulates the lymphatic system

Deep breathing helps your body release carbon monoxide which results in detoxification of the body. 70% of the cleansing of your body is carried out just through breathing. That is why if you do not breathe deeply, your body ends up working overtime to release these toxins.

5. Controls your energy levels

Deep breathing ramps up your blood flow and increases the oxygen levels in your blood. The more the oxygen, the more the energy and the better your body functions.

6. Helps you sleep better

Taking deep breaths can signal your body to return to a sense of calm- which can help you sleep better. It is recommended that people undergoing insomnia practice breathing exercises and meditation before bedtime for a good night's sleep.

7. Lowers blood pressure

Deep breathing enables you to regulate the heart rate, which in turn helps you lower your blood pressure levels. Deep breathing also enables your muscles to relax, which causes your blood vessels to dilate and improve circulation. This too helps lower blood pressure.

8. Improves digestion

Deep breathing causes an increased blood flow which encourages intestinal action and improves your overall digestion. Deep breathing also results in a calmer nervous system, which also enhances optimal digestion.

9. Helps support correct posture

When you take a deep breath, you lengthen and straighten your spine, your lungs take up maximum space, your diaphragm pulls down, so in turn your torso straightens up and causes your posture to return to its correct form.

10. Helps you control your emotions

Anger, tension, and fear cause your muscles to tighten up and makes your breathing shallow. Negative emotions constrict your breathing, restricting your body from getting the amount of oxygen it requires. Deep breathing reverses this process and allows your body (and mind) to become calmer.

Conclusion

Taking a deep breath is easy, and something that you can start right away. You can practice deep breathing daily along with yoga to improve your immunity and health in the long run.