Benefits of slow & deep breathing

Happy to share another simple but a highly useful tool here which works for me - Slow & Deep breathing.

Let us not go into the Yogic aspects of it, since it is a vast ocean. Regulation of your breath is a core factor in many yogic practices. There are different
kinds of Pranayams and Kriyas which have highly transforming effects on your mind & body. Also there are meditation techniques in which you just focus on your natural breath to attain a state of relaxed transcendence.

But coming to the case of busy people, this can be used as a wonderful tool for relaxation, rejuvenation and general health in the midst of our stressed lives. Medical benefits of deep breathing has been approved widely in the medical field now. Deep breathing allows more oxygen into your lungs and increase the release of Carbon Dioxide from the body. This certainly favours metabolism, blood flow and in turn health & well being of your entire body is enhanced.

Now let us see how deep breathing helps us in attaining mental relaxation & de-stressing. When you are in a stressed situation, have you ever noticed how your breath is like? It is shallow. If you notice yourself in such a situation, you will see that you do not feel air moving into your lungs at all. You just feel the air flow inside your nose !!! Now, listen to your breath while you are in deep relaxation, or listen to someones breath while they are sleeping or meditating. Otherwise, just notice how a new born child does the breathing. You will see that it is deep and slow.

Let us not go to detailed concepts like diaphramatic breathing etc. For now, let us just observe that whenever someone is totally relaxed the breath becomes deep and slow, and the breath fills the lungs during each breath. Now, our interesting point is this : The vice-versa is also possible !

Yes, if you consciously make your breathing slow and deep, you will move to a state of relaxation. The more relaxed you are, clearer your perception will be and more will be your problem solving skills and ability to face challenges.

So practice slow & deep breathing whenever you feel the need to be relaxed. It will be easier to get the relaxed feeling if you keep your spine straight. Try taking 10-20 slow & deep breaths before your presentation interview or examination. Try this when you face a problem and become stuck in the process of finding a solution. Try this before you sleep daily. See the gradual benefits !!!