Most people take their breathing for granted. Our body is smart enough to keep us breathing without us really thinking about it. If we had to try to concentrate on breathing, and having our heart beat, while we think, walk, or really do anything else, our mind would go into overload. Are you breathing? Of course you are, but have you ever really noticed your breathing?

I am guessing the answer to that is probably not. But you should.

Are You Breathing

When I say you should, I am not talking about just sitting in your cubicle and saying “Yes – I am breathing”. What I want you to do is truly feel yourself breathing. And here is how to do it.

Once a day (or more if you can), really focus on 10 consecutive breaths. If  you are at a place where you can, close your eyes while you do this (obviously don’t do this while driving!). Take 10 slow, deep breaths. Why you do this, think that you are letting in oxygen into your system, which is vital to life and letting the bad CO2 out. Focus on feeling the cool, clean oxygen into your mouth, and the hot, dirty CO2 out. Corny I know – but trust me, this will help you consciously know you are breathing if you can visual something like that.

So why focus on breathing? Well, the biggest thing is this is a great way to relax. If you feel yourself getting stressed out, focus on your breathing. 10 slow, deep breaths will help you regulate and even out your breathing, which will help you to relax. Another reason is the body/mind/spirit relationship in regards to your health. Breathing is something that we do naturally, but is a HUGE part in the functioning of a body. So why not take the time to realize what your body is doing. This will help develop a sense of your body that most people don’t ever develop.

All I ask is that you try it for 1 week. 7 days, and see how you like it. Once a day, take those 10 breaths, focusing on breathing deep and slow and let me know how you feel.