“Take a moment and just BREATHE…”

We breathe unconsciously and automatically.

Although, at times we unconsciously hold our breath or take rapid shallow breaths.

In a busy and fast paced society where patience and slowing down is often not an option, we need to take moments in our day to make a conscious effort to inhale deeply in the following way. INHALE for a count of 4, hold your breath for a count of 4, EXHALE for a count of 4 and then hold for a count of 4. Continue this for a good 5 minutes, then resume breathing normally.

Upon taking the time to breathe deeply can assist with stress management. Switching your nervous system from a sympathetic to parasympathetic dominant state. This allows your heart rate to slow, blood pressure to normalise, digestive system to activate and function adequately, reserves your energy and allow your mind to focus.

How is this beneficial to prevent poor health outcomes? Simply taking the time to breathe can help manage our stress levels and in turn moderate our cortisol production. Chronic stress can negatively affect us all individually in differing ways such as:

• Insomnia

• Weight gain

• Hormonal imbalances

• Blood sugar dysregulation

• Cardiovascular disease

• Mental Health issues

• Suppressed immunity

• Poor gut health

Dr. Samuel West, author of ‘The golden seven, plus one’ states, “Most pain is caused by lack of oxygen”, the practical action of deep breathing exercises on a daily basis will reduce inflammation and increase oxygen intake within our cells.

The best time to implement or practice deep breathing within our daily lives is upon waking or before going to bed. Although, I believe this can be utilised throughout the day when you find yourself getting swept up in the whirlwind of life.

So, take this moment and Breathe…