Although breathing is automatic, taking steps to control your breathing has added physical and psychological benefits. Deep breathing can be therapeutic, as controlled breathing has many positive effects on the body. Practicing proper breathing techniques can decrease your levels of stress, give you more energy, and relax tight muscles that may be causing you pain.
Reduces Stress
Controlling your breathing can help you reduce stress and anxiety. Taking just a few minutes each day to practice some simple breathing techniques can make you feel more relaxed. Yoga is one method that teaches you how to control your breathing, and can help to reduce stress and fight off illness, according to the Mayo Clinic. By drawing your attention away from the pressures of everyday life, you can work on calming your body as you focus on becoming more aware of your inner self.
Prevents Hyperventilation
Learning how to control your breathing during a panic attack can prevent hyperventilation. In fact, controlled breathing can have therapeutic effects for people who suffer from any number of anxiety disorders. Individuals tend to breathe deep and fast when they hyperventilate. Too much oxygen and not enough carbon dioxide in the body can bring on anxiety and panic. The key is to concentrate on breathing out slowly. The Canadian Lung Association reports that controlling your breathing when you are short of breath can help you stay calm so that you can slow down your breathing rate.
Increases Circulation
Taking deep breaths increases circulation in the body so that more oxygen-rich blood can reach the brain and other vital organs. This increase in circulation can help to lower blood pressure, as well as prevent or reduce the effects of cardiovascular disease. Even people with severe heart conditions can see improvement by learning how to control their breathing. Taking deep breaths allows your lungs to expand more fully so that you can take in more oxygen. The American Lung Association recommends breathing techniques to help with conditions such as COPD and other respiratory disorders. For individuals who were longtime smokers, learning proper breathing techniques can improve heart rate and make the lungs more efficient at exchanging carbon dioxide and oxygen.
Builds Endurance
Athletes often use controlled breathing during workout routines and competitions in order to benefit from increased blood and oxygen flow. Practicing breathing techniques before, during and after physical activity can give you more endurance and energy, helping to improve performance. Athletes focus on taking long, even breaths to produce both a relaxed physical and mental state. Controlled breathing can increase the capacity of the lungs to take in more air, as well as improve the body's absorption of oxygen.
Member Comments