Breathing for Better Mood and Wellness.

Have you ever paused to pay attention to your breathing?

Breathing is the most fundamental activity that keeps us alive, yet we often forget about it. Even as you are reading this, your body is breathing and carrying out the process of the respiration without your conscious effort. So, take a moment to observe your breath right now. How are you breathing at this very moment?

Did you know that your breathing pattern can profoundly impact your mood?

Strangely, the mere act of breathing keeps us alive, yet we hardly focus on it. When you’re feeling angry or anxious, just observe how your breathing tends to be shallow and fast. Conversely, when you’re relaxed, your breathing is deep and slow. By becoming more aware of your breath, you can transform your mood and state of mind.

Power of breathing

The term “Pranayama” is derived from the Sanskrit term “Prana” which translates to vital life force and “Yama” which means regulation.

Pranayama involves the process of inhalation, a mindful pause, and exhalation followed by a mindful pause. These mindful pauses help in conscious breathing.

Focusing on your breathing can also help you progress in your meditation practice. I have known so many people giving up meditation just because they could not sit with themselves or overcome the chaos in their minds. We do not have to fight our mind but calm it.

After trying out so many things, I would say, the two very effective ways of meditation that work for me are deep breaths and chanting OM. Focusing on the deep breaths and observing how my body is responding to the inhalation and exhalation process helps in easing my thoughts. And chanting OM in coordination with my breath creates a void within me that imparts a feeling of lightness.

By practicing pranayama techniques such as Bhramari, Ujjayi, and Nadi Shodhana you can control your life force or “prana” and cleanse your Chakras and Nadis.

Kapalbhati, also known as the breath of fire, is a powerful cleansing practice that can expel toxins from the body and improve respiratory function. When combined with a daily yoga practice, pranayama can unlock a deeper level of awareness and consciousness within us.

The simple act of conscious breathing has numerous health benefits. Unconsciously, we tend to breathe shallow and thus the lung capacity is not utilized to its potential. Thus, taking few deep breaths regularly increases lung capacity, lung function, controls high blood pressure, lowers stress, improves sleep, and enhances cognition, etc.

So, take a deep breath, and remember that the power to transform your mind and body lies within your breath. Don’t let the unconscious act of breathing go unnoticed.

PS: This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023