What is the most essential to our survival, what happens so spontaneously without our awareness and what is so significant for our health is what we take totally for granted. We were never taught how to breathe – but it is important that we learn how to.

Breathing is an oxygen exchange process where the lung is supposed to get filled with air. We inhale as the diaphragm moves downwards, extending the chest cavity and expanding lung capacity. The vacuum created by the downward movement of diaphragm is inhalation. The lower third portions of the lungs are the ones that take in the maximum oxygen. However, our normal inhalation is never complete and our lungs are seldom filled with the required air, leading to a shortage of oxygen to our cells. In effect, when we do not breathe properly, we rob our own cells of natural nutrients and impede cell growth and nourishment.

Breathing is supposed to be in a smooth fashion with a deep inhalation and a slow, steady exhalation. This deep breathing can be found in babies in their spontaneous soft breathing. Complete breathing does a world of good for our body and our mind.

Stress Release and Breathing: Has someone advised you to ‘take a deep breath’ before you perform on stage or before you enter the interview chamber? Deep breath is a good stress reliever. When you breathe naturally in a relaxed way rather than force yourselves to deep breath, you can find your nervous symptoms disappearing.

Breathing and Anger Management: The best way to control anger is to postpone it; and the best way to postpone anger is to breathe deeply. When you breathe deeply with your eyes closed, conscious of your breathing, your stress levels get controlled and your anger dissolves in the thin air that you inhale. Just remember to breathe deeply when you are angry.

Breathing and Blood Pressure: The natural remedy to beat high blood pressure is to relax mentally. A walk in the park on a sunny, cheerful morning is the best source of oxygen. Stroll around, enjoy the fresh air and moist fragrance from the plants and take deep breaths. As you breathe calmly, you can actually discover what you did as a child but lost as you grew up – the natural way to rejuvenate your body and mind through the simple breathing mechanism.

The effective way to manage yourself and make the most of your ability to inhale and exhale is entirely up to you. And when you realise its importance, you take better control of your own life!