The COVID-19 pandemic and our subsequent adoption of wearing masks have prompted us to think about our breathing. We breathe without thinking twice about it. It’s a subconscious process. But is it possible that most of us are breathing incorrectly?
Surprisingly, medical research indicates that the answer is yes. Because of our anatomy, we have more challenging time drawing in deep breaths than other species. But our poor, passive breathing habits have frightening implications for our long-term health.
Here’s how we’ve managed to get this basic process wrong, and what we can do to improve our breathing.
Incorrect Breathing
We can partially blame our physical evolution for our inadequate breathing techniques. Our sinuses make it more difficult for us to breathe properly. We’re a bit more “plugged up” than other species!
Our mouths and sinuses have shrunk over time. However, we can still take steps to become better at breathing. Doing so is necessary to become truly healthy. When we don’t breathe correctly, we miss out on all of the benefits we should be getting!
Long-Term Implications
Yes, a failure to breathe properly can harm your long-term health prospects. While your doctor has likely never brought this up, there is plenty of medical research to indicate why improper breathing should be considered a health concern.
For starters, bad breathing habits can affect the structure of our skeletons. It depletes us of essential minerals and even weakens our bones. And incorrect breathing can exacerbate other respiratory health issues, such as asthma. It can even worsen mental health conditions like ADHD.
But here’s the good news; we can improve our breathing “habits” to remedy these problems.
Extending Your Breath
Just for a moment, pause and breathe. Does your breath feel short and shallow? If so, you are likely not breathing in fully. However, you can start taking steps to change this now.
Pause and breathe again — but this time, you’ll make a few changes. Inhale through your nose for a count of five and then exhale through your nose at the same rate. You’ll likely end up taking about six breaths per minute. If you can practice this rhythm throughout the day, you’ll naturally begin taking longer, deeper breaths.
Breathing Through the Nose
Do you ever catch yourself breathing through your mouth? Many of us do this from time to time, so it’s easy to think that this habit is harmless. But breathing through your mouth can harm your overall health.
For example, it can increase your risk of respiratory infections. It can irritate your lungs. Breathing through your mouth even loosens the soft tissue at the back of your throat. Therefore, it’s essential to make a conscious effort to breathe through your nose. If you suspect that you breathe through your mouth when you sleep, it’s time to make a doctor’s appointment to correct this issue.
Practicing Meditation
If you want to naturally expand your lung capacity, practice breathing correctly, and spend more time being present throughout the day, you may want to start meditating. Meditation can be a compelling habit. It’s a way to make sure that you always have time to pause and breathe.
You only need to commit to a few minutes per day to get started! I've created some helpful resources to help guide you through some thoughtful meditations: Mindfulness Meditations.
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Are you wondering if you need to correct your breathing? Do you have an interest in meditation, mindfulness, and other techniques that prompt practitioners to focus on the breath? Mindfulness-based therapy might be the right choice for you. Reach out to me today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session.