Correct breathing plays an important role in any woman’s
health and well-being. Breathing affects the nervous system, which in turn
affects the heart rate, blood pressure, blood flow to the organs and muscles,
and breathing rate.
Here are some tips to check your breathing for maintaining
health and vitality through good breathing habits:
- Breathe through the nose and not the mouth
- Have a positive posture - slouching not only put strain on the back muscles but also restricts proper breathing
- Try to sit tall in chairs and when standing both feet must support the body
- Learn to stretch regularly. Good posture also improves the way you look and projects confidence
- Learn to relax. Practicing relaxing techniques allows the body to help restore good breathing, for example yoga.
- Engage in exercising. Exercises encourage good use of a person’s breath and strengthen the diaphragm muscles.
Here is a valuable breathing test:
Stand in front of a mirror with one hand on the chest and
the other on the stomach. Take a deep breath. Which hand moved the most? If the
hand on the stomach extended reasonably while there was minimal chest movement,
then you are breathing correctly. If your chest lifted first with little
movement in your stomach, then your breathing is shallow. Consciously breathe
into your stomach area and feel it expand. You need to practice this exercise
regularly.
