Just Breathe

I recently did a Ann Montgomery clinic (an equestrian instructor who specialises in biomechanics), which has a big emphasis on breathing correctly. Ann and the visiting physiotherapist commented on my breathing, or lack of it, before anything else. You would think after breathing for more than forty odd years I would have this essential part of life down pat, but no.

Breathing shallow when horseriding, which what I was doing, makes your balance top heavy. The difference in abdomen breathing makes a massive difference on not only your position but your balance and confidence. Deep breathing opens up your pelvis and sits you lower on your horse, giving you more stability. Shallow breathing feeds your nerves, whilst deep breathing relaxes your body, allowing you to relax and banish those pesky nerves.

The physiotherapist reakons deep breathing will help my fibromyalgia as it will keep my nerves and muscles oxygenated. Here is hoping she is correct, only time will tell. I've since done a little research on breathing and the benefits of abdominal breathing, at they are pretty amazing. Deep breathing not only helps you physically but also emotionally. The shallow breathing I had been doing for much too long, keeps your body in flight or fight mode while deep breathing reduces stress and relaxes the nerves. It looks like the Yoga converts had it right all along with the breathing technique.

Instead of just breathing, take a moment, breathe in and out, slowly. Put your hand on your abdomen and make sure your breath goes all the way down to your abdomen. There are plenty of websites where you can learn all the benefits of learning to breathe properly. It is worth doing your own research, but also just giving it a go. Just Breathe.