Learning proper breathing technique is easier than you think, and you can feel the benefits of increased energy and better posture right away. Becoming aware of your breathing and posture throughout the day is key to ensuring this becomes how you breathe, not something you just practice.

Most people are shallow breathers meaning they can only partially fill their lungs.  This can happen for a couple of reasons; they have poor posture and their diaphragm gets stuck.  Improper breathing also jams up your internal organs and lungs, so none are able to properly function at their full capacity, causing you to experience things such as low energy and brain fog.  More oxygen is the key to more energy and alertness.

Proper breathing technique is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1.  Set your shoulders down and relax your neck to get rid of the tension in your upper body.  If you find those shoulders starting to creep up by your ears as you’re breathing in (it happens!). Remember, your new way of breathing is to pull the air down, not the shoulders up.

2.  Let your diaphragm lower down and your abdomen expand slightly outward as you’re breathing in, so you can do a “belly breath”. Imagine yourself pulling the air down past your lungs and filling up your belly as it pushes slightly out.

3.  As you exhale, imagine the air moving up and out of your mouth, starting at your belly and traveling upward from there. Think of your waist lengthening as you’re breathing out.  Remember, keep those shoulders from creeping up.

Using proper breathing technique allows your lungs to open up for the maximum amount of air, and your internal organs to then be properly oxygenated so you can have more energy and your internal organs (including your brain) can start to function at their best!

Remember it takes time and consistent practice to develop a habit, so become aware of your breathing and correct it right away.  Whether you’re in the car, at your desk or working out, now you can begin to practice proper breathing technique and start to experience those amazing benefits!

Have you struggled with proper breathing?  Do you have a tip or trick that helped you?  Share it with us – we’d love to hear your story!