Have you ever watched a cat or baby breathing?
Without the stresses and problems of an adult their breathing is relaxed, easy and comes from the belly.
Unfortunately, we get older, get jobs and get stressed. Our breathing moves from the belly up to our chests. This is a natural reaction to any stressful situation. By using the chest muscles, diaphragm and abdominal muscles the body tries to pull more air into the lungs ready to escape the threat.
A useful strategy when trying to get away from an attacker or sabre tooth tiger. But if we continue to breathe from the chest then in the backs of our minds retain the idea we are under threat. It is a viscous circle. When we don’t take the time to relax the the anxiety and tension remains. Breathing moves higher up the chest and more shallow so that the belly is no longer moving.
Not only to we hold onto the stress but we become less efficient at drawing air into our lungs. This is going to reduce the energy you have to work and reduce the oxygen supply to the brain. And without a good oxygen supply your brain is not going to be as creative and quick witted as you want it to be.
But it only takes a few minutes to return the breathe back to the belly. It is so simple that you can even do it in the office or on the train home. This video shows you how.
Remember that if you try this in the car driving home not to get too relaxed and fall asleep.
Further Reading
A quick way to slow your heartbeat – A Life Less Anxious
