Why You Should Add Deep Breathing to Your Life

Health benefits of deep breathing are plentiful. Whether it’s for stress relief or regulating nervous system, there are many good reasons why you should add deep breathing to your life.

When I was in college, I had one of the worst panic attacks of my life. I went up to my dorm room after a night out and suddenly couldn’t breathe. My heart started beating really fast and I had to sit down. I almost went to the hospital, but by the time I was able to call someone, my heart rate had returned to normal. I had some trauma happening in my family, and it had finally caught up with me.

Over the years after that, I had to learn how to manage anxiety and, later, postpartum depression. It wasn’t until I was postpartum that I had someone suggest deep breathing techniques to me. And what a difference it makes! Let’s look at why you should add deep breathing to your life.

The Benefits of Deep Breathing

Here are just a few of many benefits of deep breathing.

Fights diseases including anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, some respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
Improves mental wellbeing
Regulates the nervous system
Boosts energy
Improves respiratory function

How to Incorporate

Here are a few easy ideas:

When You Pray. I love the photo I found above, because this is one illustration of how we can easily incorporate deep breathing into our lives. God Himself gave us the breath in our lungs. When we pray, we can easily start to add deep breaths.
Before You Fall Asleep. This is my favorite time to practice deep breathing. It’s often one of the only times I slow down long enough in my day to take some deep breaths and pay attention to my body. I use the Abide app to listen to Scripture and always take some deep breaths while I listen. This app is similar to the apps that have stories and things to fall asleep to, but it uses God’s word to help you rest and go to sleep.
While You Wash Dishes. This could apply to any everyday chore that is usually a bit mundane. I personally love to do this when I’m hanging out clothes on the line. I look up at the sky, hang a piece of clothing and then take a big deep breath when I pick up another piece of clothing. It’s blissful.
During Nap Time. If your kids are still little and have a nap time, take the opportunity to do some deep breathing. All it takes is 5-10 minutes to experience the benefits.

A Few Ideas

While there are many different ways to breathe deeply, don’t feel like you have to do it “right.” If you are breathing slowly and through your diaphragm, then you are doing it right. If you’d like a little more guidance, however, here are a few ideas.