What is Yoga & Breathwork?
Yoga is a mind and body practice incorporating physical poses, concentration, and deep breathing. There are many different types of yoga, but the main focus is on boosting mental and physical well-being.
Breathwork is a part of many spiritual practices, including martial arts, meditation, and yoga. The art of breathwork involves focusing on the breath itself. How we breathe can alter our body’s ability to handle stress better, sleep better, and even improve our cognitive function.
The Health Benefits of Yoga & Breathwork
- Relief of Stress and Anxiety – The practice of yoga and breathwork requires a person to be in the present moment, focusing on the breath. When outside stressors such as work invade our thoughts, it can create feelings of anxiety. We can relieve our mind and body by simply tuning out those unwanted thoughts and re-focusing on the breath itself.
- Lowers Blood Pressure – When we are upset or stressed, our blood pressure goes up, but by incorporating yoga and breathwork techniques, you can slow the heart rate down, resulting in lower blood pressure.
- Boosts Immunity – Our bodies have a unique immune system, but when stressed, the immune system can become compromised, resulting in more frequent colds, flu, etc. When we breathe better, we filter the air, which improves our immune system.
- Increased Energy – Breathwork and yoga improve oxygen levels in the body, increasing energy levels, and athletic performance.
- Improved Sleep and Cognitive Function – Focusing on the breath and slowing the breathing rate allows the body and mind to relax completely. Bringing a higher oxygen level enables the brain to think more clearly, resulting in better cognitive performance.
It Starts With Better Sleep
Sleep is essential to our mind and body. When we do not get enough sleep, especially enough quality sleep, our bodies do not perform to their maximum ability. When we include yoga and breathwork into our daily routines, we help the mind and body slow down and de-stress.
Breathing in air activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), also known as “fight or flight.” Breathing out activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), also known as “rest and digest.” If our breathing focuses mainly on the PNS, we will naturally calm the mind and body within seconds. So, by simply prolonging the expiration of breath, you activate the part of the nervous system that helps you drift off into sleep.
One of the breathwork techniques used to help with sleep include the 4-7-8 breathing technique. You start breathing in through your nose for a count of four and then hold the breath for seven. Then, with pursed lips, you blow out the air for a count of eight. The last step is crucial, as breathing out is the longest part of this exercise.
With regular yoga and breathwork, sleep can improve, our minds will become more alert, and our thinking will become more apparent.
Improving Cognitive Performance
Incorporating regular yoga and breathwork practices allows the mind to function at its total capacity. When we breathe properly, we improve our attention span, and we can focus better.
Breathing affects the neuronal activity within the brain, including the cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus, which are involved in the memory performance function.
Life can be full of chaos and stress, but breathing can counter all of it. Yoga and breathwork’s benefits are astounding and guaranteed to enlighten the mind and body, and it only takes a few minutes of your day to include yoga and breathwork.
There is no better time than now to start feeling healthier, more alert, and less stressed. Let 2023 be your new year and a chance for a new you.
