There are many factors that contribute to been healthy. Many of us know that good nutrition and exercise are top of the list. What we don’t realise is the importance of correct deep breathing, and the impact it can have on our overall health.
Our breathing is too shallow and too quick. We all need to slow down and breath deeply. Quick shallow breathing results in oxygen starvation which leads to reduced vitality, premature aging, poor immune system, weight gain, poor sleep and a myriad of other factors. There are many reasons why we breath fast and shallow.
- We are always rushing & our breathing follows this pattern
- Stress makes us breath more quickly & less deeply
- Emotions like anger, anxiety due to worry all have a negative affect on our breathing
When our breathing is shallow & quick our nervous system is automatically in fight or flight mode, which is known as the sympathetic nervous system. With the stresses of every day life we live in a constant state of alert, hence the active vigorous sympathetic nervous system is stimulated and constantly functioning.
Meanwhile the parasympathetic nervous system which is known as rest & digest is neglected, even in moments that we are not stressed & with the perfect conditions to relax we can not do it.
Yoga harmonizes the balance & one of the main benefits is the slow, soft natural breath that yoga supports.
Yoga uses the nervous system in a completely different way than other physical activities do.
See you on the mat!