Breathing Hints and Tips
December 19th, 2008 10:10 amDuring the course of our life most of us end up with an unhealthy breathing pattern, regardless of what sort of work we do. Breathing often already deteriorates during the first years of school – too much sitting, lots of stress and tension and lack of exercise in general all play a role.
The more hectic our life becomes, the faster the breath becomes. Also, an imbalance between inhalation and exhalation starts to happen. Most people are still ok with their inhalation but the exhalation becomes a problem. The exhalation becomes too short or people even tend to hold their breath without being aware of it.
Most of us have to re-learn to exhale properly. Breathing is a big part of any yoga class and you will learn different breathing techniques during class. Practice makes perfect!
In the meantime, here are some simple tips how you can get back into good breathing patterns:
As often as you can, wriggle and stretch your body softly and very slowly, yawn and sigh. Don’t stretch fully as this will create tension.
When walking or jogging inhale to a count of 2 and then exhale to a count of 4. You can also do this when sitting on your desk or driving but it will be more difficult to focus.
You will also find that by doing that, there will be no such rush for the next inhalation. You will come to a point where your breathing has 4 distinct parts:
Inhalation, pause, exhalation, pause.
The pauses are just as important as the breath. For now it is sufficient, just to be aware of them and let them happen naturally.
Till next time,
Connie
Your Yoga Partner
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