Breathe New Life Into Yourself
Author: Susan Anderson
Breathing is far more than inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. There is a basic
relationship between breathing and life energy. It is one of the keys to good physical health and calm,
clear thinking. Research shows that slowing down and deepening our breath allows us to shift from the
stress mode into that of relaxation. This has many benefits, a few which include slowing the heart rate,
normalizing blood pressure, increasing energy and improving focus,concentration and memory.
Normally, we inhale just enough air to get by and keep our body functioning at its maintenance level. We
may feel fine but this does not provide the body with enough energy to reach its maximum potential.
Learning to breathe deeply can help release tension buildup and stress. Try these techniques below to
increase your energy level when feeling tired.
Simple Breathing Exercise
1. Lay or sit comfortably.
2. Place one hand on your abdomen and the other on your chest.
3. Inhale through your nose making sure that your hand on your abdomen rises and the hand on your chest barely moves.
4. Inhale slowly, counting to 3
5. Exhale, counting to 4 feeling your abdomen falling gently.
6. Pause, then repeat for several minutes or whenever you get the chance.
Alternative Nostril Breathing
This is a powerful technique for quieting the mind and calming emotions.
1. Sit comfortably, close your eyes and begin to relax your body.
2. Inhale slowly through both nostrils, then close off your right nostril with the right thumb of your right hand.
3. Exhale completely through your left nostril, close it off with your right little finger and exhale through your right nostril.
4. Inhale through your right nostril, close it off with your right thumb and exhale through your left nostril.
5. Repeat 10 times, twice a day--once in the morning and again in the evening.
6. Slowly work up to 20 rounds. You receive 7 times more oxygen using this method than through normal breathing.
Author: Susan Anderson
Breathing is far more than inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. There is a basic
relationship between breathing and life energy. It is one of the keys to good physical health and calm,
clear thinking. Research shows that slowing down and deepening our breath allows us to shift from the
stress mode into that of relaxation. This has many benefits, a few which include slowing the heart rate,
normalizing blood pressure, increasing energy and improving focus,concentration and memory.
Normally, we inhale just enough air to get by and keep our body functioning at its maintenance level. We
may feel fine but this does not provide the body with enough energy to reach its maximum potential.
Learning to breathe deeply can help release tension buildup and stress. Try these techniques below to
increase your energy level when feeling tired.
Simple Breathing Exercise
1. Lay or sit comfortably.
2. Place one hand on your abdomen and the other on your chest.
3. Inhale through your nose making sure that your hand on your abdomen rises and the hand on your chest barely moves.
4. Inhale slowly, counting to 3
5. Exhale, counting to 4 feeling your abdomen falling gently.
6. Pause, then repeat for several minutes or whenever you get the chance.
Alternative Nostril Breathing
This is a powerful technique for quieting the mind and calming emotions.
1. Sit comfortably, close your eyes and begin to relax your body.
2. Inhale slowly through both nostrils, then close off your right nostril with the right thumb of your right hand.
3. Exhale completely through your left nostril, close it off with your right little finger and exhale through your right nostril.
4. Inhale through your right nostril, close it off with your right thumb and exhale through your left nostril.
5. Repeat 10 times, twice a day--once in the morning and again in the evening.
6. Slowly work up to 20 rounds. You receive 7 times more oxygen using this method than through normal breathing.