It has been about 2 months since I began working with Carolina Health Span Institute and I have to say, I am thoroughly enjoying and benefitting from the treatment. As I mentioned in my previous blog, much of our focus is on helping me to tone down my “always on” brain and getting better rest.
The first portion of my work with Carolina Health Span Institute was Biofeedback where I spent time working on breathing techniques. Have you ever noticed how a newborn baby breathes? Their tiny belly expands and contracts with each breath. Have you ever noticed how you breathe? If you’re anything like most people, your chest tends to be what moves rather than your belly. As we age and stress, we tend to become shallow breathers, not realizing how important our breathing really is.
In this work, I learned how diaphragmatic breathing is so important for both mental and physical performance. With “belly breathing”, your body benefits in so many ways. A few of the key areas that I have benefitted from in my practice of this are a calmer mind and a more relaxed body. In this process, more oxygen is provided to your bloodstream, which creates better circulation throughout your body to both your organs and muscles. This breathing technique also creates a mind-body connection, which reduces stress. In one of the exercises, I could see the results of this when connected to a heart rate monitor through a computer game. When I was able to sync my breathing with my heart rate and empty my mind, the vehicle on the computer screen would accelerate. It was crazy but amazing!
I can’t tell you how many times people have told me to “breathe” in my life. I have had a habit (for years), of legitimately not inhaling after an exhale and holding my breathe without even knowing it. Not good, and I don’t have an explanation as to how this habit came about other than being a type-a person who gets so focused on whatever is on my mind that I forget!
It’s almost funny to me that I was introduced to Carolina Health Span Institute because of how much I needed this support. Although I didn’t completely realize it, I have utilized hot yoga and meditation over the last few years to gain the benefits of what I’ve learned more about at CHSI. Proper breathing and clearing the mind can change everything. The problem I had prior, was that my practice of breathing and its benefits would diminish slowly as hours would go by and I’d get wrapped up in whatever it was that I was focused on. I am so happy and thankful that I have had the opportunity to work on this with CHSI and learn how important it is each day and moment!
As my work and treatment continues with Carolina Health Span Institute, I will check back in to share more about the journey and benefits I am receiving! Until then… BREATHE!
For Shannon’s first blog post, click here.