5 Reasons Why You Must Try Breathing Exercises

Take a breath. We probably hear this at least once a week, or if you’re anything like me, you say this to yourself every day. The truth is that we cannot escape from the power of breathing. A few seconds of deep breathing can prevent us from going into overdrive. But, there’s so much more to breathing than taking a deep breath.

Today, a quick search for “breathing exercises” will prompt thousands of results, all showing the different techniques, how to get started, and more. Hey, we even talked about breathing exercises for work around here.

But if all that you’ve read about it so far hasn’t cut it for you, give this GR8 list a try.

#1 – They Are Free

The journey to self-care can get expensive sometimes. Breathing exercises are 100% free. They can be done anywhere and at any time. Whether you’re at work, in the elevator, before lunch, or in bed. Once you’ve mastered the right technique, the options will be endless. Not to mention, merely taking a deep breath will do enough.

#2 – Promote Overall Body Wellness

When we say breathing is a powerful tool, we’re not kidding. There’s research that suggests breathing exercises can bring a plethora of health benefits that promote overall body wellness.

• It lowers your heart rate.
• It lowers your blood pressure.
• It improves core muscle stability.
• Improves your body’s ability to engage in intensive exercise.
• It lowers your chances of injuring your muscles.
• Keeps your immune system working at full capacity.

#3 – Work as Natural Painkillers

Before you head for that bottle of painkillers, breathe. This is not a joke. Deep breathing releases endorphins, your body’s “feel-good” hormones, and a natural painkiller our bodies produce on their own. This form of natural painkiller helps to alleviate pain from a headache or a muscle strain. If you’re experiencing chronic or long-term pain, please consult with a healthcare provider.

#4 – They Keep Wrinkles Away

Those pesky fine lines in your forehead? They’re probably the result of your stress face. Breathing slows the aging process by increasing the secretion of anti-aging hormones that promote more younger-looking skin. Not to mention, breathing boosts levels of serotonin and endorphins, which means you feel happier, and your “stress face” makes fewer appearances.

#5 – They Are Essential for Mental Health

Of course, something that makes us feel so grounded would have a connection to our mental health. Research suggests that breathing exercises can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, associated with a more peaceful mind and body.

• Relieves stress.
• Controls anxiety.
• Fights depression.
• It helps overcome addictive patterns.
• Ignites creativity and passion.

And to top it all off, around 70% of our toxins are released from our bodies through our breath. Need we say more?