Better breathing

Awhile back I signed up to receive emails from Josh Spector's blog 'For the Interested: Ideas to help you learn, do, and become.' Not everything applies to me, but I like it because there's usually something that I find interesting, and he cuts right to the chase. I like that.

The other day he shared about the importance of proper breathing. It's such a great tool not only in handling stress and anxiety, but also getting better sleep, maintaining focus and being more productive. Yet it's so easy to overlook. So I appreciated the reminder, as well as this article by Christophe Andre on 'Proper Breathing Brings Better Health.'

Included at the end of Andre's article are these 'Six Techniques for Relieving Stress.' He suggests:

1. Stand up straight (actual posture)
2. Follow your breath (simply observe your respiratory movements)
3. Abdominal breathing
4. Rhythmic breathing
5. Alternate nostrils*
6. Think reassuring thoughts while breathing

I practice breathing exercises from time to time, but I followed up with the 'alternative nostril' breathing when I was done reading, and I may give it some more practice.

Another thing Christopher pointed out was the '365 Method.' I practice something similar (only I hold the inhale 2 seconds), but I like the remember-ability of this. The way it works is: at least three times a day, breathe at a rhythm of six cycles per minute (five seconds inhaling, five seconds exhaling) for five minutes. And do it every day, 365 days a year. So...

- 3 times a day
- 6 cycles per minute
- 5 minutes

 Those are the kind of simple, memorable things I need. :)

You wouldn't think something like breathing would need explained, and it doesn't, really. But BETTER breathing... that can be helpful.