Posture And Breathing

Posture And Breathing

 Breathing - everyone does this approximately 20,000 times a day. But are we doing it right? Do we pay it the same attention as our skin? While most of us don't think about breathing, the way you take in and out has a huge impact on your physical and mental well-being. One of the most important elements that our body cannot do without is oxygen. The average person can only last 3-4 minutes without oxygen (medically known as anoxia) before being considered brain dead. If it goes beyond 5-6 minutes, that person will die. Posture is among the aspects you should consider to optimize your breathing. Why? The way you take any position can either contract or work the chest extension. You must maintain proper posture to promote a continuous and sufficient supply of oxygen to your body. A properly oxygenated body is one happy body. So if you're starting to feel a little tired, here are 3 positions that encourage breathing so your cells get oxygen and energy. 15 minutes standing Sounds simple, right? However, for any normal guy who is used to a torpid everyday life, standing straight on both legs for even 5 minutes is already quite taxing. To prove it, try this position for a full 15 minutes and notice your breathing. Now shift your weight to one leg - you'll notice that your breathing has slowed down compared to when you're standing straight. Why? Because in the first one, your whole body is relaxed and your muscles don't have to exert much effort. The amount of oxygen in your body is relative to the number of breaths you take. If you breathe less, your body also receives less oxygen. Sit up straight Whether you're using a comfortable office chair or a chair for back pain, if you're still slouching while sitting, you're still putting not only the integrity of your spine at risk but also your breathing. When you straighten your back, you use more of your chest muscles to maintain that upright position. Because it requires effort, your brain signals you to breathe to get more oxygen. With enough room to expand, your lungs can perform their function properly and allow enough oxygen to revitalize your system. The opposite happens when you slouch. In addition to using fewer muscles, your chest is compressed, which limits lung expansion. With a lack of oxygen in your body, you are more prone to fatigue and other mental changes such as headaches or mood swings. Sleep in the Semi-Fowler's position In medicine, the fowler's position is the standard resting and napping position for patients. The head of the bed is higher than the rest of the body. This is an intervention used to promote oxygenation, especially in patients suffering from respiratory distress. However, if your bed does not have the same mechanics as a hospital bed, you can support your head with one or two regular pillows and another on your back. This gives you semi-oblique head support. You can also put an extra pillow under your knees to prevent them from sliding down. Regulating your breathing helps increase your performance in any task. So if you think you need to buy an office chair or other postural support equipment to maintain a position that supports ideal breathing, do it. Remember that your body is designed to function at its best – you just need to maintain its natural integrity to lead a healthier lifestyle and well-being.