How to Breathe Properly: The Basics of Functional Breathing
Here is the truth:
There is no one way to breathe - there are thousands.
The “right” way to breathe depends on the situation and on what you are doing:
When you’re running for a bus your breathing is going to be different than when you are sitting stationary.
When you are having sex or masturbating, your breathing is going to be different than when you are standing and cutting vegetables.
💨 That’s the beauty of our breath - it responds to the demands that are thrown at us.
❔The more important question to begin with is:
What’s Your Natural Resting Breath Like?
Let’s check:
Take a moment to just notice your breath right now - it helps to put one hand on your chest and one on your belly:
Are you breathing through your mouth or nose?
Are you breathing more into your chest or more into your ribcage and belly?
How fast or slow are you breathing?
How loud and noticeable is your breathing?
Do you sigh often?
Do you notice a natural pause after your exhalation? Do you hold your breath at times?
Does it feel easier to inhale or exhale?
🔅The 3 Golden Guidelines for Correct Breathing
1. Use your nose
Always breathe through the nose unless your are doing heavy exercise - to prevent over-breathing, which leads to loss of co2 and less oxygenation of the blood
2. Breathe into your belly
It stimulates your vagus nerve and sends calming message to your brain and nervous system.
3. Slow down your breathing
According to research, the “ideal” breathing rate is 5.5 breaths per minute, which is much lower than most people’s breathing rate (12-20 breaths per minute) - so keep practicing your coherence breathing and extending your exhales --> this trains your CO2 tolerance
In summary:
In general, the lighter and more silently you breathe, the healthier your breathing and nervous system.
“Correct breathing” means breathing through the nose, with the diaphragm, relaxed, rhythmically.
💡Bonus Tip:
Check in with your breathing regularly during the day.
Pause what you’re doing for a second, become present and see how your breath is doing.
Then adjust accordingly.
Got questions? Wanna improve your breathing?
I offer breath coaching - send me an email at mail@conni.me
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