We breathe in and out about 22,000 times a day, taking in around 2,000 gallons of air. That’s enough to fill up a normal-sized swimming pool! Our remarkable bodies control breathing subconsciously by the respiratory center at the base of our brains, oxygenating the bloodstream and moving carbon dioxide out.
However, this is one of the body’s automatic functions we can control. When we exercise, breathing is still automatic. But there may be times you’d want to switch to controlled breathing, such as in yoga or weightlifting. Singers and swimmers control their breathing. Also, public speakers control their breathing during presentations.
Ever felt frustrated and told yourself to just take a deep breath? Like magic, you feel more in control of the situation and your emotions. Or how about just before you go into an interview or stepping onto a stage? Taking that deep breath in these situations can help calm your nerves and direct your focus.
Have you seen Olympic athletes take a long final breath before starting their routine? They are zoning into that mindset to help them perform at their peak potential.
Years ago, I read about health benefits associated with deep breathing. So, what happens when you spend focused time on your breathing? According to Pacific Mind Health, focusing on your breathing can bring you to a heightened state of alertness. Deep, diaphragmatic breathing activates calming messages your mind receives to signal your body to lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
A few mornings a week, I take ten minutes to do some deep breathing. After settling into the recliner, I close my eyes and focus on taking long, diaphragmatic breaths. Since I’m usually mentally going through my checklist for the day during this exercise, I don’t consider this exercise meditation. For me, meditation includes the purposeful quieting of the mind.
Some spirituality beliefs concentrate on breath. Teachers of yoga, tai chi, qigong, and Buddhist meditation recommend variations of breathing techniques. According to the National Library of Medicine, mantra recitation or chanting can be effective in improving pulmonary function in healthy individuals. If you’re interested in more details of these studies, click the link below.
References:
https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/news/what-happens-to-your-brain-when-you-focus-on-your-breathing
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4097894/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9445-diaphragmatic-breathing
