Here for a good time, AND a long time

Growing up, I would always run out of breath so easily. Whether it was playing tag at recess, a long football practice - heck, sometimes even walking up a few flights of stairs, I would constantly get winded.

Of course it didn’t help that I have asthma, double deviated septums, and horrible allergies.

But I needed a solution. I was tired of just constantly struggling to breath.

After several doctors visits, and some digging of my own, I came across the magnificent solution.

Diaphragmatic breathing.

Some of you probably already do. It is simply breathing solely through your belly as opposed to your chest.

Diaphragmatic breathing is undoubtedly the most efficient way to breathe and fills the lungs with the most oxygen. 

Benefits include but are not limited to: longevity, higher stress tolerance, improved focus, and better endurance. 

This is because diaphragmatic breathing uses less energy and loads your body up with more oxygen, one of the pillars of life.

Now, as easy as it sounds, becoming a belly breather may take some practice, so if you are struggling try these breathing exercises:

Easy - Put a hand on your belly and a hand on your chest. Now attempt to breathe and only the hand that's on your belly should move. Do this until you can get it right.

Medium - Breathing only through your belly, breath in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, breath out for 4 seconds, and hold for 4 seconds. Repeat as long as you can

Hard - This last one is a 10 minute guided breathing session with the notorious Wim Hof. Try this while only belly breathing. Here’s the link:

https://youtu.be/tybOi4hjZFQ?si=KY37dAeS6xgFGuQK&t=22 

Try whatever feels right and maybe you find a better exercise that works for you, but I usually do the last one before bed every night!

Stay Clutch,

Luke