Wirral Life May 2017 | Page 54

W WELLBEING L SLOW YOUR BREATHING... BY JOEL JELEN OF RESET BREATHING I recently read a report coming out of Stanford University in the States that shows how slow breathing induces tranquillity - and frenetic and rapid breathing creates tension. Why? Well, scientists have identified a small group of neurons that communicates goings-on in the brain's respiratory control centre. I'm guessing that most of us aren't so interested in why, but how many of us focus on our breathing and allow it to determine how we feel? For example, you feel stressed. Slow your breathing (once you know how) and watch the change in how you feel! Ok, sounds simple but hear me out. The power of the breath is very apparent in this instance but did you know it can regulate so many other functions in the body that we take for granted? Perhaps, naturally. I recommend everybody pays far more attention to their daily breathing habits and slows their rate of breathing (again, once they know how). Who wouldn't want to feel more tranquil? I've encouraged lots of people, in fact, whole companies and organisations to do this as part of our Workplace Wellbeing programmes that helps relax teams with a view to increasing their relaxation and productivity. I always begin the conversation by starting with almost everybody’s favourite subject - food. All food increases breathing. For example, how do you feel after eating too much food? Frequent sighing or even breathless? Throughout evolution, our diet consisted of 95% alkaline and 5% acid forming foods. Nowadays the reverse is true! In an attempt to maintain ph levels and keep the body in balance, the body stimulates overbreathing. Processed foods also cause us to increase our breathing. Increase your alkaline intake and you will help keep your breathing pace and volume to a healthier level. Alkaline foods are breathing-friendly foods! I’m often asked in workshops by people who suffer from food intolerances how this affects breathing. You can't look at a restaurant menu without the words 'gluten-free' jumping out at you, can you? However, it's not just gluten if you're sensitive, that will increase your breathing. Chocolate, milk, eggs, dairy, citrus and red wine are the other common offenders that can create, amongst other symptoms, overbreathing... mostly because they affect the sinuses. The worst offender (don't hate me) is usually chocolate! Raw food, currently trending, is also more effective in creating a calm breathing environment within the body than cooked foods... thank heavens for the onset of summer! To conclude, a poor diet consisting of processed, acidic foods and foods you are intolerant to - will increase your breathing. Try to keep an eye on your breathing habits during eating and drinking as you might find yourself drawing in large breaths between bites. Keep your breathing quiet and also breathe through your nose at mealtimes – apart from it being good for your breathing and health, it's far more polite too! For more information, visit www.resetbreathing.com 54 wirrallife.com