The practice of deep breathing has proven to be beneficial to our bodies. Taking a few moments each day to practice deep breathing exercises can help you in many ways. That said, being informed about the health benefits and advantages of deep breathing exercises will give you a clear insight into why you should practice this every day. Here’s what you need to know.
What is deep breathing?
Deep breathing is also called diaphragmatic breathing. It is also known as belly breathing, abdominal breathing, and paced respiration. This breathing exercise is done by breathing deeply through your nose, filling your lungs while the lower belly rises [1].
So what are the advantages of deep breathing exercises to your body?
It helps improve your immune system.
One of the main goals of deep breathing is to bring fresh oxygen into the body. When fresh oxygen comes in, you exhale out carbon dioxide and toxins. Oxygenated blood is vital in ensuring the proper function of your major organs, including your immune system. A healthy blood supply aids in fighting off germs that cause infections and, at the same time, strengthens your immunity. Breathing deeply also helps in relieving natural toxins in the body. It is also crucial in absorbing nutrients and vitamins so that you can recover from an illness or disease fast.
It boosts your natural painkiller.
As you take a deep breath, your body naturally releases your happy hormones, endorphins. When endorphins are released, you feel good. It helps create the body’s natural painkillers that help you with pain.
Blood flow improves with deep breathing.
There are times when our body feels sluggish, but whenever we do exercises, we feel better. Why is that? It is because when we exercise, our blood flows better. This action is the same when we take deep breaths. The upward and downward movements that our diaphragm does help in removing the toxins in the body. Because of this, our body promotes a much better blood flow.
It helps you get better sleep.
To sleep better, you can practice deep breathing by taking slow, deep, long breaths. It will help your body return to a sense of calmness that will help you get better sleep. This breathing exercise is also recommended to people suffering from insomnia and meditation before bedtime.
It helps calm down your anxiety.
Practicing deep breathing helps in slowing down your heart rate. It allows the body to take in more oxygen and signals the brain to relax. Deep breathing helps balance your hormones and lowers cortisol levels. When this happens, your endorphins increase, resulting in a more relaxed feeling.
It improves the body’s posture.
Believe it or not but deep breathing can help in correcting your posture. Notice how your body shifts posture whenever you take a deep breath. When the lungs are filled with air, it automatically straightens your spin and allows your body to expand correctly. Bad posture correlates with incorrect breathing. Practicing deep breathing exercises can help correct that.
It helps in detoxifying the body.
When you inhale oxygen, the end process of breathing produces carbon dioxide. The body excretes this natural toxic waste through exhaling. When the lungs are compromised, the detoxification system works hard to expel this waste product. It weakens the body when not correctly exhaled and can result in an illness. That said, breathing exercises help in detoxifying the body properly.
It stimulates your lymphatic system.
When your breathing is shallow, there is a possibility that your lymphatic system is sluggish. And when this system is slow, your body cannot detoxify properly. You can improve the flow of your lymphatic system through deep breathing exercises. Practicing this will keep your lymph flowing efficiently and adequately.
It helps improve digestion.
Another good advantage of breathing exercises is that it helps in improving your digestive system. Breathing supplies oxygen to the body to help it work more efficiently. It increases the blood flow in the intestines and aids digestion. In addition to that, deep breathing calms your nerves, which enhances your body’s complete digestion.
It relaxes your body and mind.
When you are under stress, your muscles tighten, and your breathing becomes shallow. Tensed muscles do not get enough oxygen, but deep breathing exercises aids in reversing this process, thus helping you calm down and feel more relaxed.
