Fit + Fab Challenge: Benefits of Breathing
by Denise Austin | April 5, 2021 | General
If there’s one thing you probably thought you were doing right, it’s breathing. It seems so simple and natural, right? Well the good news is, there are ways to improve your breathing, to help benefit your physical and emotional health! As you breathe, you pump oxygen to all the cells and muscles of your body. The deeper you breathe, the more oxygen you take in. This includes when you are walking on a treadmill, sitting in front of a computer, or working out. Breathing the right way will result in an increased oxygen intake … which will lead to more energy, less stress, a clearer mind and better health in general!
There are a variety of ways to alter your breathing to promote energy, calm, better rest and more… some of which I will explain in the coming days of this Fit and Fab Challenge in the member’s only content bonuses! But before we get there, let’s make sure you know why you should be looking at your breathing habits in the first place!
Deep breathing exercises can:
Help to regulate pain. Deep breathing releases endorphins, which are natural pain killers that the body creates. These “feel-good” hormones can be increased when you practice deep breathing, so give it a try the next time you feel pain – chances are breathing may help alleviate some of it!
Increase your energy levels. As I mentioned before, the more deep breaths you take in, the more oxygen you bring into your blood… and the more energy you will have! I love to start the day with some breathing and movement, like in my Wake Up Workout series – give it a try.
Improve your blood flow and remove toxins. Yes, deep breathing can be used to help “detox” your body! The deep breaths cause an upward and downward movement of your diaphragm, which helps to remove toxins and promote better blood flow. And since carbon dioxide – a natural waste that comes out of our bodies by breathing – is a toxic waste, the more deep breathing you do, the more your lungs are able to expel carbon dioxide.
Improve your posture. You can experiment with this benefit right now! Take in a deep breath and hold it in. See how your spine straightens up, and your shoulders naturally pull back and down? Keep practicing deep breathing exercises, and you can help keep your posture in great shape as you get older!
Promotes healthy digestion. The more oxygen we get into our bodies, the more oxygen we are sending to our digestive system… and this helps it works more efficiently! Add in the stress modifying benefits of deep breathing, and it’s a great way to help encourage a healthy digestive system.
Don’t miss the exclusive breathing exercises I will be sharing with my DeniseAustin.com members during my Fit and Fab Challenge! And for more breathing exercises and insight, check out my Stop The Clock Plan!
