15 benefits of breathing properly

This post is also available in: Spanish

Breathing properly is one of the best things in the world. You knew it perfectly well when you were a baby. Unfortunately while you were growing up you started losing consciousness of your breathing. Since you stopped paying attention to it, now, most likely you don’t do it properly anymore.

There are many benefits of breathing properly, some of them are:

1. You can live longer
2. You are more relaxed
3. Have a better mood
4. Relieve stress
5. Clarity of mind
6. Ease digestion
7. Strenghthens the immune system
8. Makes the heart stronger
9. Improves blood quality
10. Improves body posture
11. Increase muscles
12. Soothes emotional problems
13. Massage your organs
14. Strengthens the nervous system
15. Accelerates cellular regeneration

It is really easy to get all these benefits. You do not need special equipment, a mobile app or an expensive coach. The only things you need are:

• Lungs
• Time for yourself (even a couple of minutes per day are enough)
• Will power

Let me share with you the technique I use to improve my breathing:

First, find a posture where you feel relaxed. You can sit or stand but if you lay down you might fall asleep. Just make sure your spine is straight.

Second, inhale through your nose and start counting to four. While you count make sure that the air you are inhaling fills your belly first then your chest. Try to imagine how all your muscles and organs are getting all that air. Picture in your mind how that breathe is renewing everything inside you, while you hold your breath for 3 seconds.

Lastly, exhale through your mouth and while you do it imagine that all the stress, bad mood, worries and everything your body and mind do not need is leaving your body while you exhale. When you are exhaling try to make the air that filled your belly go first, then the one you have on your chest.

You can do this in your office, bedroom, classroom, or wherever you are and whenever you want. The more times per day you do it, the better.

You will start feeling the difference immediately and within a few days it will get even better.

This is my first blog post ever so I hope you like it and you find it useful. If yes, please share it with your friends and family.

You can find other breathing exercises in this article by the Time Magazine.