5 Benefits of Deep Breathing
I would argue that the respiratory system is the singular most important system in our bodies.
Yes, the body works together and nothing is separate - this is absolutely true. But I believe in the breath as something special.
Why?
First let’s look at the numbers.
On average, we breath about 16 breaths per minute, 23,040 breaths per day, 8,409,600 breaths per year. For someone who lives until they are 80, that tallies up to an average 672,768,000 breaths in their lifetime. These are no small numbers.
The brain controls all the functions in our bodies. The brain can even stay alive for about 6 minutes after the heart has stopped. But once the brain loses oxygen, it dies, too.
We need our breath to stay alive. The circulatory system and the respiratory system work perfectly in tandem to distribute oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the body, and they are a fantastic team.
So why aren’t we talking about this dynamic duo?
Because along with our breath being a top staple of survival, it is also the one system in the body that we can consciously control. And when we control our breath, all other systems in the body respond, including our heart rate.
Paper beats rock, rock beats scissors, breath beats blood.
Try it. Put your hand on your pulse. Slow your breath down and breathe through your nose for one minute, taking deep, slow inhales, and nice, long exhales. Notice what happens to your pulse. It slows down. Conversely, when we take short, quick, and shallow breaths, our pulse rate quickens. What happens to the body when we take short, shallow breaths? Enter anxiety, an unwelcome yet familiar house guest to one third of the world’s population.
So what does all this mean? This means we are incredibly powerful beings.
When we learn how to breathe deeply, slowly, and fully, we optimize every other system in the body. Let me say that again. When we breathe deeply and fully, we optimize every other system in the body. We can consciously optimize our own state of being.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the benefits of deep breathing:
Destress:
Deep breathing directly activates your Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS) which helps calm the entire body down - relaxing not only your nerves but your muscles as well.
Bonus: As stress is reduced, acidity is reduced which leads to less inflammation throughout the body.
Pain Reliever:
Deep breathing helps the body release endorphins which are a natural painkiller and lead to feelings of well-being.
Digest:
More oxygen in the digestive system helps it to function better. It also gets a nice massage from the diaphragm which leads to positive intestinal action. As deep breathing lowers our stress, the digestive system is much more able to work properly.
Detox:
Along with better digestion aiding detoxification, the circulatory system supports this effort as well. Deep breathing helps the efficiency of blood flow, replenishing our cells with oxygen and removing carbon dioxide and toxins from the body.
Bonus: Lymph is also stimulated by deep breathing which helps keep our immune systems functioning properly.
Optimized:
When we release tension from our body, we lower our blood pressure which allows blood to flow more easily to all parts of the body - including our brain. When the brain, the controller, is nourished and clear, it is better able to send appropriate signals to the rest of the body so as to all work toward and maintain equilibrium.
Yes, all parts of the body work together on the journey toward balance, but, in my opinion, the breath is the best guide.
That’s all our body wants - balance. And it’s working for us around the clock to achieve just that. We may not be aware of the majority of the 23,040 breaths we take per day. But if we can take a minute here, and a minute there, to slow down and take some deep, full breaths, we can really help our bodies find that balance.
So why not? You’re walking around with your breath all day - it is always available for you to use to your own benefit. We just have to think about it! So give yourself the pleasure of slowing your breath down. Savor the ability to work with such a powerful, yet peaceful force of nature. Even if it’s just for a minute.
If we have the ability to make our lives a little bit easier, what are we waiting for?