Breathe Right and Feel Good

Did you know the human body can last for weeks without food and days without water? However, you can’t even last a few minutes without air. Breathing is an essential function of the body that you need to sustain life.

Every breath you take delivers much needed oxygen to every cell of your body. Your lungs and heart infuse your blood with oxygen and defuse your body of waste materials. Proper breathing is deep breathing that elevates the belly. It strengthens the diaphragm, which allows the lungs to fully expand and contract. Breathing right enhances your recovery from tiring physical activity, increases your ability to manage stress, improves your focus and mental clarity, and helps you sleep better so you’ll be "Ah, ah, ah, ah, stayin’ alive."

Despite all the benefits, many people do not practice proper breathing. People often take shallow breaths that only fill the upper part of the lungs. Not breathing properly can result in greater feelings of stress, lethargy, skin discoloration, anxiety, dizziness and tiredness. When feeling tired or low on energy from improper breathing, you might even cut back on your exercise and physical activity. Then cells throughout your body won’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need and you’re more at risk for disease.

If you want to learn proper breathing techniques so you can breathe right and feel good, Willis-Knighton offers a wide variety of classes you can join, from chair yoga and Tai Chi to Zumba and spin. One-on-one help is available with our experienced personal training staff. Ask for information at the front desk of your favorite WK wellness center to get started.