Lifestyle
Discover How Breathwork Can Soothe Stress and Enhance Your Well-being
The simple act of breathing is a natural process we engage in every day, almost unconsciously. However, with the right techniques, this casual routine can emerge as a force for relaxation and overall wellness. “Breathwork is amazing as it grounds us to one of our most basic, primal processes: breathing in its purest form,” explains Dr. Tomi Mitchell, a Board-Certified Family Physician with Holistic Wellness Strategies. “In breathwork, we can cut the noise and distractions from our busy worlds and let our bodies do what they were built to do: restore and build our stressed bodies.”
Breathwork’s power lies in its ability to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, counteracting stress responses. As Dr. Mitchell elaborates, “Breathwork activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which counters the fight-or-flight response. Techniques like deep diaphragmatic breathing can lower cortisol levels, promoting a state of calm and relaxation.”
To unlock the full potential of breathwork, specific techniques must be followed. Dr. Imran Sharief, a Pulmonologist at Dignity Health Northridge Hospital, provides tips on effective breathwork:
-Breathe in and out through your nose.
-Ensure equal durations for inhalation and exhalation by counting during each.
-Hold your breath for a moment after each inhale and exhale, if you can do so comfortably.
-Keep the breathing sequence for at least five minutes.
-Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but it can trigger issues like depression, fatigue, digestive problems and more. Breathwork can be a powerful tool in managing stress and promoting well-being.
-“Deep breathing exercises increase oxygen flow and improve circulation, enhancing our immune system efficiency,” Dr. Mitchell explains.
-Bad posture not only affects appearance but can lead to health issues such as back pain, spinal issues, and even a pot belly. However, breathwork can play a part in improving your posture.
-“When we practice breathwork, we consciously improve our posture, which improves our diaphragmatic function,” Dr. Mitchell enlightens.
-The immune system is our body’s defense against sickness, and breathwork can be instrumental in powering up this vital function.
-Good quality sleep is indispensable to our mental and physical health. “Practicing breathwork before bedtime can help you unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep,” Dr. Mitchell points out.
-Breathwork can also boost your focus and clarity, enabling you to tackle tasks more efficiently. “Techniques like mindful breathing can improve your attention span and mental clarity, making it easier to tackle tasks efficiently,” Dr. Mitchell shares.
-Breathwork can also help manage and control strong emotions. “The enhanced emotional regulation will help you respond more effectively to life stressors and reduce the chances of potentially overreacting to stress,” Dr. Mitchell explains.
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