Article Source: The Positive Observer

Written by - Maggie Connor, DCHc - February 2009

Most of you know your body needs good nutrition and a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day to function at optimal levels.  Yet few of us ever consider the nourishing effects of oxygen. 

You are able to live without food for a couple of weeks.  You can also live without water for a few days.  Yet, you can live without air for only a few minutes.  Your body and mind require oxygen.  Breathing is the most effective and fastest way to increase energy levels in your body.  By learning simple and effective breathing methods, you can greatly reduce stress in your life and achieve new degrees of relaxation.
 
Did you know that your unconscious mind controls your breathing at a rate of 26,000 breaths a day?  Most of us are completely unaware of our own breathing.  You can easily increase the energy & lower the stress level of your body by becoming consciously aware of your breath.

Take a few moments out of each day to focus on your breath. See, hear and feel yourself breathing deeply.  Out of the 26,000 daily breaths you take, make at least 16 of them conscious breaths. Perhaps you’ll feel so good that you’ll want to do even more. 

No excuses. Do this exercise. Do it right now while reading the article. You are able to do this anytime, anywhere and it is free!  You are already breathing; you just aren’t aware of it. Go ahead and begin incorporating this into your day:   in the morning upon awakening, while driving in your car, waiting for an appointment, etc.  Notice the expansion of rich oxygen circulating through every aspect of your body.    

Here is a tried and true breathing exercise for you:    
Breathe in through your nose to a count of five.  Let go of the breath out through your mouth to a count of ten with a soft sound of "haaaaa" (almost like a whisper).  Be sure to breathe using a 1:2 ratio.  Continue breathing deeply for four breaths and notice how you feel.  Do four more and notice again how you feel.  I like doing at least four sets of four breaths.  Most people report a feeling of relaxed calmness, peace, and increased energy levels. 

When you feel like deepening this exercise, focus on the area of your abdomen just below your navel.  When you breathe in through your nose, have the new oxygen flow through your lungs and go deeper into your abdomen.  Allow your abdomen to fully extend with the breath; the way you have seen a baby’s belly extend with each inhalation.  This is a natural and healthy way to breathe.  Most of us tend to have shallow breathing where only the upper chest is utilized (especially when stressed.)  On your exhale have your abdomen let go of the breath.  Imagine scooping out all the air from your abdomen.  You will feel your belly flatten toward your spine.  Ahh… that’s better!  

Increase your oxygen intake and you will increase your life force energy.  Inhale and exhale fully and freely. It costs nothing and you will reap the rewards in all your training, competition and busy life!

Maggie M. Connor, DCHc
Olympian, 2X World Pro Champion, Master Trainer in Personal & Professional Excellence
Owner - Ultimate Journey & Maggie Connor International
www.maggieconnor.com
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