Why Is Breathing Properly So Important In Stressful Situations?

If you are going through a stressful time you may not be breathing properly, and this may have a detrimental effect on your body, and your mind. Whatever situation you are going through; whether it is a divorce, or moving home, or simply juggling life’s demands; it is important that you breathe for a purpose: To fuel the body with oxygen and energy, to rid the body of carbon dioxide, to calm the mind, and to allow the body’s organs and systems to function properly.

Take a moment and try and notice your own breath now. Are you actually “breathing”, or are you holding your breath? Is your breath shallow or ragged? Or is the breath long, smooth, full and deep? Take 12 breaths and notice what your breath is doing… You may notice the breath slowing down all by itself and maybe your mind starts to feel a little bit quieter?

Stressful situations can cause you to breathe irregularly. If you are breathing erratically, shallowly, almost panicking, then you are essentially on “flight or fight mode”, and the body starts to work differently. Adrenaline is released into the body, the digestive system slows down, the heart rate and blood pressure increase. You are on high alert ready to face an attack or run from one! If your body is under this constant pressure this can have a detrimental effect on your health and your ability to concentrate, make good decisions, digest food, sleep, your energy levels, your good temperament, and so on. Basically, the things you need if you are facing change, or a challenge, or need to make big decisions in your life.

Yoga philosophy has confirmed that there is a link between the breath and the mind and body. As your breathing becomes calmer, deeper and smoother, your mind also becomes calmer and able to make sensible choices and decisions; and your body starts functioning properly. If, even when the most stressful situations are occurring, you can learn to control the breath, then you can hopefully try and activate the parasympathetic nervous system and calm things down. You can use yoga breathing (pranayama), postures (asana), and relaxation (yoga nidra) to do this.

Therefore, it is important that you can focus on your breath and notice when you are not breathing properly and try and encourage a fuller, deeper, calmer breath; And, also take time out to unwind and give yourself permission to relax.

Here at Body Soul Yoga we will teach you how to calm the breath, body and mind, whether through breathing techniques, posture work or relaxation. To find out more please call Faye on: 07837343251 www.bodysoulyoga.co.uk faye.bodysoulyoga@gmail.com We have classes running throughout the Summer months and holidays for both adults and children, most days; and our full yoga schedule returns in September 2018. We hope to see you soon. Please also try Body Soul Yoga’s free yoga classes and relaxation podcasts.