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Breathing for Health - Infographic from Huffington Post |
Many health experts say that, unfortunately, most of us do not breathe "correctly". That is, we routinely take short, shallow breaths and this type of breathing can cause various negative health effects in the body.
This infographic entitled "Change Your Breathing, Change Your Life" from Huffington Post illustrates and explains some of the many ways breathing impacts our health including how "correct" (controlled, long and deep breathing) can:
❤ Stimulate brain growth
❤ Improve heart rate variability
❤ Lower stress levels
❤ Alleviate anxiety and negative emotions
❤ Reduce testing anxiety
❤ Lower blood pressure
❤ Alter gene expression
Additionally, certain deep breathing techniques - like those often used in yoga and meditation - are thought to prevent premature aging, detoxify, and increase the metabolic rate. For example, it is thought that the additional oxygen received from exercise (particularly exercise performed outdoors) boosts metabolism and helps to burn fat.
Together with reducing and managing stress (another big consideration in weight loss), deep breathing techniques may have the potential and effect of helping you to lose weight.
For additional reading and listening on this subject, we recommend:
Breathing: The Master Key to Self Healing
The Healing Power of the Breath: Simple Techniques to Reduce Stress and Anxiety, Enhance Concentration, and Balance Your Emotions
Infographic source and more information: Huff Post The Third Metric: How Changing Your Breathing Can Change Your Life
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