How we breathe is a reflection of how we feel. With the demands and stress of modern life, most of us take fast and shallow breaths trapped within our chests. Shallow and irregular breathing patterns make it hard for the body to relax, keeping us in a state of constant anxiety. 70% of people with anxiety have dysfunctional breathing.
If you want to perform to the best of your abilities, you need to start paying attention to your breathing. Breath hold exercises, like box breathing, are especially good for people who are stressed or prone to anxiety and panic disorders.
Deep breathing & breath holds can:
– Improve symptoms of anxiety & depression
– Enhance memory
– Improve sleep quality
– Increase endurance & strength
– Improve immune & gut function
– Regulate the inflammatory response
– Improve HRV (Heart Rate Variation)
I suggest bringing attention to your breath throughout the day and taking 5 minutes to focus on deep breaths and slow exhales. Set your phone timer to 5 minutes, and do nothing else. Changing my breathing patterns has had a tremendous positive impact on my life.
Let me know what differences you see!