Let’s talk about your breath.
Did you think this was about toothpaste? LOL. Nah, we're not getting into dental hygiene; we're diving into the world of breathing. Breathwork might be trending now, but it's been around since before yoga was cool—like thousands of years before.
The basic idea is to release toxins and stress when you breathe out and nourish your mind and body when you breathe in. Today, let's zero in on Breathing and the stress response.
There's a secret: a simple way to shortcut the stress response in less than a minute — shifting your body from stress to relaxation and boosting digestive power. Can you guess what it is? YUP – your breath, or your breathing pattern and the adoption of slow, conscious breathing.
Now, do these symptoms sound familiar? Digestive issues, chronic fatigue, increased headaches, brain fog, sleep disturbances, and increased anxiety. If you're nodding along, you're not alone. Chronic stress may make these symptoms the unwelcome guests at your end-of-year party.
Stress has a way of sneaking up, bringing along its notorious friends. Here's a nugget of wisdom: Stress is like the ultimate anti-nutrient. 🚫 It's not just playing mind games; it's wreaking havoc throughout your body, disrupting everything from cortisol levels to nutrient absorption. And let's not forget the havoc it wreaks on metabolism – less calorie burn, more cholesterol, platelet parties, and inflammation galore.
Now, here's your oxygen infusion: Dive into your breath. Why? Because every emotion has its own breath pattern. Stress brings shallow breaths, while relaxation vibes with deep, rhythmic breathing.
Here are some tips for inviting more oxygen into your day. Consider it the key nutritional tool in your new toolkit.
At your next meal, ask yourself, “Am I about to eat under stress?” and then do some conscious deep breathing.
““In every inhale, we embrace life’s energy; in every exhale, we release what no longer serves us.”
Don't stress about whether you're breathing in your nose or out your mouth. Do what feels right for you.
Sit down, let your feet touch the floor, let your posture be upright. If you can, close your eyes; if not, it's not necessary.
Take 10 long, slow, deep breaths. Think of it as breathing in for a count of at least four or five seconds. Let the breath be natural and without effort.
If 10 breaths sound like too much, then take as few as five healthy sips of air.
You'll switch your nervous system from sympathetic dominance to parasympathetic dominance, which means relaxation, all by doing simple deep breathing five to ten times.
Watch what happens. Notice how you feel. Build your awareness muscle.
In the upcoming weeks, I'm gearing up for a deep dive into the Gut-Brain Axis. 🧠 ✨ This isn't just biology; it's a game-changer for showing up better in life.
Why should we care? Well, it affects a few things that pertain to what we're learning about.
Digestion and Absorption: It's not just about what you eat but how your gut processes it.
Mood and Emotions: Your gut has a say in how you feel. It's like the mood ring of your body.
Immune System Regulation: Your gut isn't just for digesting; it plays a bouncer for your immune system.
Stress Response: Your gut and stress are like BFFs who gossip too much. Let's find out why.
Appetite and Food Intake: Your gut has opinions on what you eat. It's like the food critic of your body.
💡 Implications for Your Health:
Mental Health: Because your gut has feelings too, and they're connected to your head feelings.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Stress might be the reason your stomach's throwing a tantrum.
Immune Function: Your immune system needs your gut to be the responsible friend at the party.
Ready to embark on this fascinating journey with me?
🌿 ✨ Stay tuned for tools to enrich your physical and mental well-being.
#GutBrainAxis #WellnessJourney #BreatheThroughItAll
