Jul 10
20
Breathe, Just Breathe…
Recently, I started biofeedback training to help my migraine headaches. It was interesting to me that the first exercise I learned was to breathe. I recalled my days in voice lessons when my teacher instructed me that we breathe properly as a baby, but somewhere along the way, we are taught to breathe with our chest, not our diaphragm.
So, I practiced breathing. I was hooked up to a monitor to measure muscle responses. As I relaxed into the exercise, we could see the beat pattern of my heart. My breathing was more stable and my heart rate slower as I focused my thinking on the raising and lowering of my stomach as I breathed. Breathing correctly can trigger a relax response in our bodies.
I wanted to share this with you today to benefit you and help you empower your families and friends to relax. Even in stressful times, we can calm our body and therefore keep ourselves healthier.
The first time, it works best to be in a recliner or on a bed. Slowly take in air through your nose. Breathe deeply, watching as your stomach expands. If you have trouble accomplishing this, place a tissue box (or something similar) on your stomach to watch your stomach move up as you inhale and go down as you exhale. Slow your breathing as you relax the muscles in your jaw. A relaxed jaw has the tongue on the roof of the mouth and the teeth are slightly apart (the mouth is closed).
You can breathe this way while sitting in a chair, walking or doing any other activity. I did notice that my headache was worse the first few times I tried this exercise and was told this is normal, but as I continue to practice twice a day, it will improve my health. My favorite place to practice is on my morning walk, outside, surrounded by beautiful trees and usually a blue, blue sky. Try it for yourself.
Aim for a quiet time and breathe deeply for twenty minutes. I feel energized after I practice. I hope you will too. Empower yourself with the breath of life. Just Breathe.
