Breaths per minute & your nervous system

Oxygen is our most essential, health-giving nutrient.

Yet many of us aren't getting enough of it.

In fact, we take an average of 12-18 breaths per minute, meaning they're short and shallow.

This causes our nervous system to be in a fight and flight mode, slowing down our digestion, immune system and other important but non-urgent functions. It also tires out our adrenals, responsible for vital hormone production.

Instead, we should be taking 6 longer and deeper breaths per minute, or one every 10-20 seconds. This stimulates our rest and digest nervous system mode, which is where healing and regeneration takes place.

Additionally, without sufficient oxygen our cells can't transfer energy stored in our food into a usable form. This cellular respiration process allows our cells to harness energy to perform vital functions like powering muscles.

Many people say improving your breath is a matter of breathing into your belly. This is only partially correct. You actually need to breathe into your sternum first to ensure the top and middle of your lungs expand. This brings movement to our upper spine, enervating our nervous system there.

Not sure what I'm talking about? Check out my breath video here.