The Banyans Healthcare Yoga Therapist, Carli Treacy shares the benefits of good breathing techniques for World Yoga Day on June 21.
Our sympathetic nervous system is a network of nerves that help the body activate its ‘fight or flight mode’, which is where the body is in hyper-awareness or alertness. This usually happens when you’re stressed, in danger or physically exercising. Whilst this is a natural response and even beneficial in the short term, spending long periods in this state can have long-term negative impacts on a person.
In our day-to-day life, we carry tension through our whole body, so our shoulders are tense, and our muscles are in a state of contraction, this wastes valuable energy and puts us into the “fight and flight” mode. This is exhausting long term, our immune system and digestive system slow down to deal with the requirements of “fight and flight” and therefore aren’t working as effectively as they should, hence fatigue and illness.
If you can sit for a short time and check into how you are breathing, start by closing your eyes and relaxing the shoulders, lifting the breastbone (we all slouch when we are tired) inhale through the nose for a count of four and exhale through the nose for a count of six, do this for a time and notice that your heartbeat has probably slowed and you feel a little calmer.
Something as simple as mastering breathing techniques can have an array of benefits for Australians – and World Yoga Day is a perfect time to learn more about this.
Stress reduction: Breathing techniques can activate the body’s relaxation response, reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm.
Improved mental clarity: Deep breathing can enhance oxygen flow to the brain, improving focus, concentration, and cognitive function.
Enhanced energy levels: Proper breathing techniques can increase oxygen intake, providing a natural boost of energy and reducing feelings of fatigue.
Lowered blood pressure and heart rate: Deep, slow breathing can activate the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, leading to decreased blood pressure and heart rate.
Improved physical performance: Proper breathing techniques during exercise can optimise oxygen intake, improve endurance, and enhance overall physical performance.
Mindfulness and presence: Focusing on the breath cultivates mindfulness, allowing individuals to be more present in the moment and experience a greater sense of overall well-being.
More About Carli Treacy
Carli is a qualified yoga therapist and leads instruction for guests of The Banyans Health and Wellness residence. With a background in multiple dance disciplines and the military, Carli knows that yoga is important for recovery as it works on the body, mind, and wellbeing. Her positive, encouraging, and gentle nature helps yoga to be an extremely relaxing and beneficial physical therapy in The Banyans program. At The Banyans, Carli focuses on physical strength, flexibility and alignment exercises throughout her classes. Guests who have participated in yoga, even if for the first time, have noticed improvements in posture, breathing, core strength and inner-peace. Carli is a qualified yoga therapist – she has been practising yoga for 20 years and teaching for 14 years in Australia.
This story was originally published on The Carousel.
