The Hemp Connection + perfect body

One of yoga's most important benefits has nothing to do with the poses!

It has to do with breathing.

Something happens to all of us when we feel stressed…we start to breathe differently. Our breaths become shallower, using less of our lungs. The obvious consequence of shallow breathing is less oxygen getting to the brain. This is a stress in itself, which further changes the breath. When our brains are stressed, they don't always make the best decisions. They tend to go on"autopilot" and enact behaviors that are more impulsive, and less intentional. That can include eating, exercising, anything that is more compulsive/impulsive and less structured.

One of the things that yoga teaches, is awareness of the breath. Are you breathing? Are you breathing deeply? Or is it shallow? Do you even stop breathing at times?

Learning to breathe more effectively has been tremendously helpful to me in my own life. I do a lot of counseling and conflict resolution in highly emotionally charged situations with people who are anxious about conceiving, losing weight, feeling better about themselves. I've learned that if I focus on my breath while I'm in these conversations, I am much more grounded…not to mention useful…to the people who are reaching out for help.

Here's an exercise you can do to start to become aware of your breathing, even if you're not yet ready for a yoga class.

Lie on the floor, your sofa, or your bed. Place an object on your stomach, such as a book, a stuffed animal, or a pillow. Practice breathing in a way that this object visibly moves up and down. This is breathing that uses your entire lungs. Does it feel different? If it does you're likely not breathing well in general.

When you feel stressed, or feel the urge to binge, do this exercise for 100 breaths. See if you still feel like bingeing.

When you're in a meeting or otherwise stressful situation where you cannot do this, subtly put your hand on your stomach so you can feel it move up and down.

It's a simple trick with huge benefits…give it a shot!

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One of yoga's most important benefits has nothing to do with the poses! + perfect body