I already know you're breathing, or you wouldn't be reading this!
In this video, recorded in 2014, I take a closer look at the role of breathing in boosting our production capacity.
The problem, however, is that most of us don't breathe properly and this causes or worsens various disorders in our bodies. This is because the oxygen that comes from the air we breathe is one of the fuels without which nothing in the body or mind can function (the other basic fuels are water, food and good circulation, which comes mainly from regular physical exercise); and without fuels, even if only one is missing, any machine begins to malfunction, thus triggering or maintaining symptoms and illnesses.
And obtaining oxygen via breathing is generally impaired by several factors: pollution (any “stale air” breathed frequently, low in oxygen but high in carbon dioxide - CO2 or even carbon monoxide), smoking (active or passive), stress (both stress and excessive concentration on some activity tend to superficialize respiratory movements - for example, when studying or watching something) and illnesses (for example, anemia). However, the main villain is bad breathing habits, i.e. the bad habit that most people have of not observing their own breathing more constantly and simply taking care to... breathe properly throughout the day!
Ideally, we should all regularly adopt practices that teach us how and how to breathe better, such as Yoga, Meditation, Tai Chi, Lian Gong, Ch'i Kung, Pilates... But as this isn't possible for most people, it would be interesting to at least learn the basics of the subject, but one that is feasible in everyday life, wouldn't it? So let's get to it:
Basic:
Several times a day, inhale (pull the air in) and exhale (release the air) deeply (avoiding extremes), but make sure you exhale at about twice the rate of the inhale.
Advanced
Try to do the “basic” procedure calmly, but seeking the maximum capacity of your lungs (both to fill with air and to empty), in a comfortable position, but one that allows your spine to remain upright, in turns of 1 to 5 minutes at a time.
* More sensitive people may feel a little dizzy after a few complete inhale-exhale cycles performed in this way (due to the large increase in oxygen reaching the brain). In these cases, it is advisable to do fewer cycles per shift and more shifts per day, if desired.
Excellent
Do the “advanced” procedure, but at the end of each inhale, hold the air in your lungs for about 3 seconds, and keep your lungs “airless” for 2 seconds at the end of each exhale. And do it in a quiet environment (if possible with quiet music in the background), trying not to think about anything during the process: if any thoughts come to mind, actively try to focus on the movements of your chest, the noises of inhaling/exhaling, the sensation of air coming in and going out...
Ideal
Do the whole “excellent” procedure frequently, at least once every period (morning, afternoon and evening), every day and several times a week at least one of these activities: Yoga, Meditation, Tai Chi, Lian Gong, Ch'i Kung, Pilates...
Laborious, but possible, isn't it? Carry out the above procedures, starting with the “Basics” and watch your well-being, health and productivity improve!
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