'Our breath is what keeps us alive. Yet according to a whole wellness micro-industry, breathing is something we need to take more seriously.'
There are only two certainties in life: death and taxes, or so the saying goes. But recently, as I relaxed into a shavasana pose at the end of a yoga class, I was reminded of a third: breathing. From our first exhalation to our last, our breath is what keeps us alive. Yet according to a whole wellness micro-industry, breathing is something we need to take more seriously.
From Boost Oxygen cans offering 98 per cent pure oxygen and claiming to increase mental alertness, enhance the immune system and even aid performance at sports, to apps such as, which offers tips on how to breathe to benefit mental health, respiration is a hot topic.Whether it’s because of an awareness of air quality , or that we’re realising that rushing through life 24/7 necessitates pausing from time to time, we’re learning not to take this essential biological function for granted.
Vegas points out that we are all prone to “over-breathing” – the term he gives to a reliance on our ribs and chest muscles instead of the diaphragm. As a freediver and surfer, Vegas practised his breathing technique initially to improve stamina and resilience in the water, but quickly realised how much it positively affected his daily life.
The easiest way to improve breathing is to be more aware of it. Try holding your breath until it’s uncomfortable, noting how long this takes. After resting for a few seconds, take 20 deep, forceful breaths, as if hyperventilating. Then hold your breath again, paying attention to how it feels. “You’ll probably notice that when you stopped breathing in the first exercise it took less than a minute to feel sensations of discomfort,” says Vegas.
And if, like me, you find your mind wandering during yoga instead of focusing on your breath, it’s worth remembering the other name for shavasana – the corpse pose. A timely reminder of what happens when we stop breathing, perhaps.Aromatherapy Associates Support Breathe Roller Ball, £18.The September issue of British Vogue co-edited by HRH The Duchess of Sussex is available for digital download now on the App Store and for Android, and on newsstands.
Nigeria Latest News, Nigeria Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Children's happiness in the UK at 'lowest level for decade'Decline in wellbeing among young people is 'national scandal', report warns
Read more »
Angelina Jolie’s Honesty On Emotional Wellbeing Is A Lesson To Us AllThe Maleficent: Mistress of Evil actor revealed she hasn’t “felt very strong” over the past few years.
Read more »
Schools shake-up: the four key areas in leaked Tory proposalsWide-ranging measures include plans for behaviour, academies, funding and teacher salaries
Read more »
Key to woman's incredible 14 stone weight loss is photographing her mealsAFTER ballooning to a colossal 30 stone following years of gorging on takeaways and chocolate – Karina Dunford knew she had to act to save her health. She had become completely housebound and…
Read more »
How has Brexit vote affected the UK economy? August verdictEach month we look at key indicators to see what effect the Brexit process has had on growth, prosperity and trade
Read more »
Boy 'traumatised' after attempted carjackingAmy-Leigh Hill refused to hand over her car keys to three masked men as her son was sat in the vehicle.
Read more »