What is something that we have to do every few seconds, continuously all of our life to survive? Apart from making sure our heart beats, it is breathing of course. But apparently there is a correct and incorrect way of doing it.
If you look online you will find many different ways to breathe. There are different techniques promising to benefit you in many ways. It is confusing. I have tried some techniques that just seemed to be a waste of my time. But this could also be because I didn’t invest enough time to maximize the benefits.
In a systematic review of 15 journals focusing on breathing exercises, it was found that increased relaxation and alertness as well as reduced anger, anxiety and depression can be achieved through these exercises. I have only mentioned a few of the benefits here, the list goes on.
It does sound like it is worth giving a try. I think you will need to find something that works well for you. There are a lot of yoga breathing exercises, the Buteyko method, and also Wim Hoff (The Iceman) has a technique as well.
I read the book; The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick G. McKeown. It focusses on the Buteyko method; it was an interesting read, but it didn’t really work for me. I have been trying Wim Hof’s breathing method and I have been feeling good. But there are some long breath holds involved in his technique, and I have read that this may not be good for some people suffering from anxiety.
I think there is only thing that I could confidently recommend to anyone, and that is yoga breathing. This might be a good thing to try first. It isn’t demanding; it is relaxing and can be done with calming music. I think it is well worth searching for a breathing exercise and or technique which is right for you. You may find more success than I have. Let me know what works for you.
If you are looking to sort out your life for the new year or would just like someone to talk to. Feel free to contact me. The first session is free.
free.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137615/
